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Gael Monfils v Ben Shelton: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Gael Monfils will be hoping to deliver one for the old guard when he takes on Ben Shelton, 16 years his younger, for a place in the Australian Open quarter-finals on Monday.

American Shelton turned professional in 2022, some 18 years after Monfils made the step up to the pro ranks and this fourth-round contest will be the first meeting between the pair.

Frenchman Monfils, who turns 39 in September, has started the season in red-hot fashion and he will not make life easy for one of the best servers on tour.

Gael Monfils v Ben Shelton

Gael Monfils v Ben Shelton betting tips and predictions

Gael Monfils to win - 13/10

It has been a long time since Monfils reached the quarter-final of any Grand Slam, the 2022 Australian Open to be precise, but there looks to be every chance he could reach this stage of the Melbourne event for the third time in his career.

Should the Frenchman reach the last eight, a first semi-final Down Under is not out of the question given the fact he would be taking on either Lorenzo Sonego or qualifier Learner Tien in the quarters.

But the 38-year-old can't get ahead of himself and he must focus on the initial task at hand, which is getting the better of rising American star Shelton, who reached the quarter-finals here on his main draw debut in 2023.

The 22-year-old is one of the best servers on the ATP Tour - he ranks sixth in serve leaders - and that powerful weapon has been in full effect in the opening three rounds with a combined 40 aces recorded.

Shelton, seeded 21st, knocked out 16th seed Lorenzo Musetti in the last round in four sets and he will be full of confidence going into this fourth-round clash.

However, Monfils is a wily, experienced campaigner and he continued his impressive start to the campaign with a 3-1 victory over fourth seed Taylor Fritz in round three.

The Frenchman has now accounted for two seeds, having overcome compatriot Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (30th seed) in a five-set thriller in his opener and the way he has handled two big servers should stand him in good stead for Monday's test.

Mpetshi Perricard and Fritz are first and seventh respectively in serve leaders on the ATP Tour, but Monfils was excellent against the pair and he sent down 24 aces of his own against Fritz.

It is perhaps no surprise to see the world number 41 enjoying a solid run in Australia, as he came into this event following victory at the Auckland Open in New Zealand.

That was his first title since October 2023 and it appears to have given Monfils, who suggested last year that he may have a couple of years left in him before retiring, a new lease of life.

The longer this game goes on the harder it may be for Monfils to come through, as his older legs may struggle compared to Shelton in the Melbourne heat, but the French star proved he can go the distance in the opening round if required.

A tight contest is expected between the pair, but it may just be the older statesman that books his place in the quarter-final.

Over 42.5 games - 4/5

Given a tight tussle is predicted, there could be plenty of games in this contest and over 42.5 looks capable of landing.

Monfils played five sets in his opener, totalling 58 games in total, while his third-round win over Fritz produced 44 games.

Shelton's three matches are yet to go over the 42.5 mark, but his last two outings have come close with 41 games in both of those victories.

With the American facing arguably his toughest test of the tournament so far, this contest could go the distance and the fans should settle in for plenty of entertainment.

Read more tennis betting tips and predictions on site

Gael Monfils v Ben Shelton odds

Gael Monfils - 13/10
Ben Shelton -
8/13

View the full market and more odds for Gael Monfils v Ben Shelton on site

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.

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