Gael Monfils

Gael Monfils shot to tennis prominence after an outstanding French Open Tournament in 2008. He reached the semi-final, playing some of the most exciting tennis of all the players and he only lost to eventual runner-up, Roger Federer in the semi final in four very competitive sets. He was the first Frenchman to reach the semi finals since 2001. The performance shot him up the world rankings from number 59 to 14, he is now the third highest ranked Frenchman.

Gael isa 100/1 to win the title in the Australian Open odds, which are outstanding value for each way backers.

Gael is predominantly a defensive baseliner, who has the ability to retrieve most shots and force errors from his opponents allowing him to hit clean winners. On his day his passing shots are amongst the best in the world. He also has a huge serve, that can reach 140 mph and it very strongly resemembles the serve of Andy Roddick.

Monfils is one of a crop of emerging younger players; at 21 years old, he is extremely athletic, 6’4” tall, powerfully built and a very intimidating opponent to look at. It is difficult to see how he will not make continued progress and 2009 could be a really big year for him.