Analysis for Gonzalez-Monfils (ATP Vienna)

Head-to-head record 0:0

Fernando Gonzalez of Chile will play the French talent Gael Monfils in the third round at Vienna. Monfils has the talent to blow anyone off the court and if he keeps his nerves, he could be more than competitive against Gonzo today. Unfortunately, he is extremely inconsistent player and his biggest weakness is the mental condition and unwillingness to fight when he doesn´t feel good. Monfils is primarily a defensive counter-puncher who likes to stand far back from the baseline and retrieve every shot until he forces an error from his opponent or maneuvers around to hit a clean winner. However, he has the ability to go from defense to offense very quickly often taking his opponents by surprise. His signature shot is his two handed backhand which he sometimes executes in mid-air. Although Monfils is mostly a defensive player, during his own service games he tends to go for ace or a one two combination to finish off the points early. Only when he is forced to play an extended rally (usually on his opponents serve) does he retreat to a counter-punching position. Monfils possesses a huge serve capable of reaching over 140mph. Tennis commentators have noted that during his time on the junior tour, he imitated the service motion of Andy Roddick. He played well against Stepanek and should be well prepared and full of self-confidence at the moment. We don´t think he should be the underdog here and see his chances to be at least 50%. He needs to make a good result after the average season and we think that he feels the chance. Gonzalez is an aggressive baseliner who likes this surface. His groundstrokes, especially on the forehand side, are extremely powerful. His speed and agility allow him to hit winners from practically anywhere in the court. His current form is not his life-time best and we just didn´t like his performances against Bolelli and Gulbis. We will side with Frenchman and anything above 2 is good enough for us.