The perfect test

He used to munch on Rinky Hijikata for breakfast every morning, Gael did! For a player of Monfils’ caliber, the Australian was a pretty harmless opponent. Pretty much unable to hit through Gael, the Frenchman could just sit back and let his opponent tilt a bit, take risks thinking he had no choice but to force his aggression/power, and from there, the score would just roll. I’m talking as if they’d already played, but nope. Still, that’s clearly the match-up I picture between the two.

Nevertheless... Hijikata is kind of a top‑80 test, let’s say. He’s complete, and he’s improved (see his incredible run in Indian Wells this year). The hot and humid conditions work in his favor on top of that. I also find he’s become more aggressive. Anyway, for a tired Gael, that could change everything.

Because yes, Monfils did beat Majchrzak in Montreal, but then he got blocked by a rather mediocre Tien. I only saw his match against Tien, and it’s still tough for the Frenchman in my opinion. He’s late on quite a few movements. He makes up for it very well with his reading of the game and his game sense. And then of course there’s his serve and his accelerations. And there, in the fast conditions in Cincy, that could help him stay in shorter rallies. Just as it could help Hijikata gain in power too...