Tennis Player to watch out for?

[Kiko]

Just been watching a match on eurosport between Andy Roddick and an 18yr old french player Manfils, think thats right. Anyone know anything about this kid? Really powerful player and gave Roddick a good run for his money. Been looking for a couple of long shots next week and feel i could put him down as one. But need a more experienced head to tell me more, the kid might of just had the game of his life - i dunno.

[Mr Intensity]

It's Gael Monfils - dominated the juniors last year (winning 3 of the 4 slams) and has started to make the step up to the big time. Great athletisism and movement, lanky sod too. Huge serve and forehand, when they are working he can do a lot of damage. Backhand needs a bit of work I feel, can be quality but not consistantly and doesn't get any penetration when just rallying. Also needs to sort out what he is trying to do out there, the strategy always seems a bit of a mess to me. Will be a quick court player; not sure about Wimbledon as his volleys are dodgy and not sure how he'll take to the grass, however, could start to come good for the US Open . As for Roland Garros? No. Doesn't have the game for clay or the mentality/strategy right now, any decent clay courter will take him out.

Hope this helps

[Mr Intensity]

And if you're looking for an outsider, you gotta wait for the draw

[Kiko]

Exactly the kind of information i was needing - top stuff

Definately one for the future, will keep an eye out for him!

[Mr Intensity]

It appears he will play Canas in the first round - can't see Monfils geting anything out of that - could be a good thing though, giving him more time to practice on grass

[GETT1NLOTS]

Quality post Mr I.

I know little about Tennis but I was going to say that generally speaking it's not the big powerful serve volleyer types that do well at the French Open is it? You're looking for clay court specialists or someone with a TOTAL game like Federer.

[Mr Intensity]

I'll write a preview over the weekend if I have the time, but if your looking for an outsider with a realistic shot, it is Canas (best available now 70 at Betfair)

[Mr Intensity]

Price dropping all over the place, VC and Skybet I think had it at 67 earlier (so odds comparison says) probably only worth it at 50 or above (51 at VC, 60 at Betfair) - this is obviously due to people reacting to the draw.