Gael Monfils will face American youngster Bradley Klahn in the first round of the ATP San Jose Open

Gael Monfils is making his maiden SAP Open appearance on Tuesday, where he will begin his charge for the title with a first round match against American wildcard entrant Bradley Klahn. Monfils, the world No. 12, reached the third round of the Australian Open last month, and seems to be playing quite well. This match should be a straightforward one for him, and we can expect to see him in round two.

Klahn appears to have his work cut out here. He lacks experience at this level, and hasn’t played an official match yet this season. The youngster has shown signs of potential, but perhaps isn’t ready to take on Monfils yet. Klahn has a 12-14 record on the Challenger circuit, and it might be a year or two at least before we see him competing regularly at this level.

Anything other than a Monfils win would be a major shock on Tuesday. Monfils has a great chance of at least making it to the semi’s this week, and it doesn’t look like Klahn will be able to halt his progress. Even so, expect a spirited performance from the outsider. He took a set from Sam Querrey last year, and might be able to at least give Monfils a decent contest.