It’s a clash of generations when Gael Monfils meets American Ben Shelton, 16 years younger than him, in the fourth round of the Australian Open on Monday, January 20. While the ageless Frenchman has showcased formidable strength in Melbourne, will his challenge be enough to conclude Shelton’s campaign?

Shelton vs Monfils: Preview

American star Ben Shelton appears to have restored his form this season. He dropped out of the top 20 after a string of losses at the Japan Open and Paris Masters. However; he reversed those results in Melbourne. He arrives for his fourth-round showcase on the back of a tough victory over No. 13 seed Lorenzo Musetti, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 7-5(5).

Meanwhile, Gael Monfils wants all the smoke in 2025. He won nine of out the 10 encounters he has faced this year, with his only loss coming at the hands of Novak Djokovic at the Brisbane R16. The Frenchman became the oldest ATP title winner in Auckland in 50 years and recorded a similar energy in Melbourne. He stunned US Open runner-up Taylor Fritz in the third round, 3-6, 7-5, 7-6(1), 6-4, meaning he could cause trouble for his American rival.

Shelton vs Monfils: Head-to-Head

Both players, despite being active on the tour for quite some time, haven’t clashed with each other. As a result, they are level 0-0 in their head-to-head tally. The duo will mark their first-ever meet on the ATP circuit in the fourth round of the Australian Open.

Prediction: Monfils to win in four sets

Gael Monfils will be looking to reach the quarterfinals at the Grand Slam stage for the 11th time in his career and by the looks of his recent performances, he’s not willing to stop.

Regardless of concerns surrounding his inevitable ageing, the former World No. 6 thrashed all speculations for a premature exit at the Melbourne Slam. His versatile game style, boasting a heavy baseline dominance and a flair for finishing points on the net, are easily the biggest threats to look out for and Shelton could have a hard time navigating past it.

With overall consistent results on the circuit last year, and several semifinal finishes, Shelton cemented his status as one of the most dangerous players to look out for. The 2022 NCAA champion is a serious threat to the 38-year-old, all because of his explosive game style.

Shelton thrives off his aggressive baseline gameplay that can be detrimental for players lacking extensive on-court coverage. Moreover, the young player also fires one of the fastest serves on the tour, meaning that contestants can face trouble winning his service games during showdowns.

Overall, this match is a toss-up. Monfils’s newfound form can prove of serious consequence to Shelton, but the latter’s endurance owing to his young age might topple the Frenchman if the contest stretches to five sets. However, seeing as the 38-year-old has better experience, it is likely that the fourth round of the ‘Happy Slam’ should see him advance.