Gael Monfils' final appearance at the U.S. Open continues Thursday night as he is set to face American Learner Tien in the second round. Monfils advanced by defeating Adolfo Daniel Vallejo in the first round, setting up a primetime match under the lights at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
The betting odds position Tien as a significant favorite to win the match, suggesting it may be Monfils' last in New York. Tien is currently listed at -520 to eliminate the French veteran.
Monfils, known for his entertaining style, often employs unpredictable tactics to keep opponents off balance. This approach has been key to his success, particularly when he is the underdog. His ability to disrupt an opponent's rhythm with drop shots and acrobatic plays forces them to think more during points.
Tien, seeded 14th at the U.S. Open, aims for a more straightforward game plan. He is expected to utilize his powerful baseline game and try to wear Monfils down by forcing him to cover the court extensively. Tien previously defeated Monfils in three sets at Montreal, although Monfils showed flashes of controlling the match during that encounter.
Despite Monfils' penchant for flamboyant play, Tien possesses the firepower to control the baseline. However, Monfils' unique style may still make it a challenging match for the younger American. One projection suggests a five-set victory for Tien, offered at odds of +500.
