Day 5: Australian Open Match of the Day

Men's 3rd Round on Rod Laver Court

Stanislas Wawrinka vs. Gael Monfils

It doesn't get much better than a night match on Rod Laver with these two shotmakers.  I don't expect either player to give and inch and we should see a tie-breaker or two.

The two have played 3 times with Monfils holding a 2-1 advantage.  They have never played a 3 out of 5 set match, though.

Stan reached the third round with two straight-set wins while Monfils had to come from two down to beat Thiemo DeBakker and dropped a set to young Federico Gil in the second.  This is a match Monfils should win, but I think in the end, Wawrinka comes through with a 5-set win.

*Upset alert - Don't be surprised at all if Venus Williams goes out tonight losing to Andrea Petkovic, a German that will be in every point.

ATP Tennis Match of the Week: Soderling vs. Monfils

Not the final match that anyone expected in Paris.  Both players are on a roll.  Soderling is relying on his big serve and groundstrokes.  Monfils is inspired by the home crowd and pulled out a huge win over Roger Federer in the semis. 

They have only played twice.  Soderling has won both matches and both were played indoors. 

Look for Soderling to be a bit fresher and win this in straight sets.  A big tourney for both, but huge for Soderling heading into the London finals.

ATP Tennis Match of the Week: Monfils vs. Tsonga

This match is dead even and will go three sets.

Tsonga leads the overall series 2-0 with 2 victories on hard courts.

Look at the tale of the tape.   It's so even.  Tsonga is currently ranked #13 and Monfils is #15.

I give the edge to Tsonga a little this week playing in Montpellier, although Monfils had a great win in the quarters over John Isner. 

Look for Tsonga to win 6-4 in the 3rd set.