Australian Open 2017: 5 Dark Horses Who Could Win Big

Modified Jan 10, 2017 05:13 GMT

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 06: Alexander Zverev of Germany a forehand to Dan Evans of Great Britain plays in the men's singles match during day six of the 2017 Hopman Cup at Perth Arena on January 6, 2017 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images) — Alexander ‘Sascha’ Zverev has been described as many – including Roger Federer – as a future No.1

4. Gael Monfils

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 09: Gael Monfils of France hits a backhand during a practice session ahead of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 9, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) — Monfils has done well but struggled with injury over the years

Working with his new coach Mikael Tillstrom, Gael Monfils, the showman, reached great heights last season. Capping off the year with a career high ranking of 7, Monfils was a surprise package in 2016. From being an entertainer, Monfils became a consistently present name in the later stages of the tournaments.

Tennis talent has never really been the concern for the Frenchman, it was always the attitude and endurance.

With Monfils well past his peak years, everyone had counted him out of serious competition. A number of those who expected him to take his tennis seriously had lost hope especially after Monfils appeared to throw his semi-final against Novak Djokovic at the US Open last year.

However, there was a surprise in store for all of us. We saw a new found ambition and desire to win in the eyes of the 30 year old previous year.

After reaching the semi-finals stage of the U.S. Open, Monfils will look to stage another successful run at a major and extend his streak of impressive performances.

Edited by Staff Editor