Gael Monfils will fight for a spot in the Montreal quarterfinals against Great Britain’s Jack Draper, who upset Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round. American Tommy Paul, who took out Carlos Alcaraz, faces Croatia’s Marin Cilic.
(17) Gael Monfils vs. (Q) Jack Draper
Gael Monfils is just back this week from a three-month layoff after foot surgery. The Frenchman came into the Canadian Open with all the rust that comes with a lengthy injury break, but he shook it off quickly. He took out Pedro Martinez in the first round and posted an excellent win over an in-form Maxime Cressy in the second.
His round of 16 opponent, Jack Draper, has gathered steam this summer. The 20-year-old Brit spent most of his time on the Challenger circuit at the start of the season, but a surprising run to the semifinals in Eastbourne catapulted Draper into the top 100. He is currently the world No. 82 and dismissed No. 3 seed Stefanos Tsitispas on Wednesday night.
This is a winnable match for Draper. Monfils has played well this week, but lack of match play and the resulting fatigue that comes when a player is working back to form makes the Frenchman vulnerable. In a tournament of upsets, I’ll pick Monfils over the qualifier–but an upset here wouldn’t be suprising.
Cheryl pick: Monfils in 3
Ricky pick: Draper in 3
(13) Marin Cilic vs. Tommy Paul
Unlike many of the other seeded players this week, Croatia’s Marin Cilic has beaten the players he’s “supposed” to beat. And now he will face world No. 34 Tommy Paul rather than Carlos Alcaraz. It’s an excellent opportunity for the French Open semifinalist to make another deep run at a big event.
Of course, Tommy Paul may have something to say about that. He played a phenomenal match to upset Alcaraz in the second round. And while that epic encounter lasted more than three hours, Paul is fit and should be ready to go on Thursday evening.
Paul and Cilic have met twice before; the American doesn’t have a win yet though he took a set from Cilic this year in Adelaide. This is a “new and improved” Paul, though, so even their recent history isn’t as notable as it might otherwise be. I give the American the edge on Thursday evening. He has been moving incredibly well and the conditions are too his liking.
Cheryl pick: Paul in 3
Ricky pick: Paul in 2
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