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8/28/11 5:01 PM | Ricky Dimon
Gael Monfils will look to maintain his fine form when he helps kick off Day 1 of the 2011 U.S. Open on Monday. Standing in his way of a second-round berth is talented up-and-comer Grigor Dimitrov.
Hurricane Irene has been battering New York City this weekend, but tennis fans will get some excitement of a different sort if U.S. Open play begins as scheduled on Monday. Two of the game's most entertaining players will be going head-to-head when Gael Monfils and Grigor Dimitrov clash for the first time in their careers.
At just 20 years old, Dimitrov has emerged in a major way onto the professional scene and he currently registers at a career-high ranking of No. 52 in the world. The Bulgarian, whose game is often compared to that of none other than Roger Federer, has earned 13 of his 20 career ATP match victories this season. He has lost in the first round in only one of his last eight tournaments, a run that includes a thrilling second-round setback against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at Wimbledon.
Also in stellar form, Monfils has put himself squarely in World Tour Finals contention with a strong 2011 campaign. The seventh-ranked French has been a quarterfinal machine and he owns a 29-12 record. Monfils has reached at least the quarterfinals of his last four events, including a runner-up finish in Washington.
Grand Slam experience could be factor in this one. Monfils, a former French Open semifinalist, has advanced to the U.S. Open fourth round on three straight occasions and he reached the quarters for the first time in 2010. Dimitrov, on the other hand, has won just two main-draw matches in majors during his brief career.
The underdog's talent is undeniable, so he is without question capable of making this competitive. Even if that turns out to be the case, though, Monfils will draw on his experience and his ability to put ball after ball in play to outlast Dimitrov. Look for the No. 7 seed to prevail in four sets.
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