The Limited Times

Now you can see non-English news...

In pain, Djokovic stops the crazy series of Monfils

2020-02-28T18:09:49.766Z


Despite three match points, Gaël Monfils had to lose a 17th time in 17 games against Novak Djokovic this Friday, in the semi-finals of the Dubai tournament (2-6, 7-6, 6-1).


And yet, Gaël Monfils did not want to come down from his cloud. Victorious of the Rotterdam and Marseille tournaments in a row, unbeaten for twelve games, easy winner the day before his compatriot Richard Gasquet (6-3, 6-3), the Parisian hoped to cross an additional course this Friday by triumphing over one of his beasts: Novak Djokovic. Until now, the confrontations between the two men had always turned one-way since the Serb presented a pristine record of 16 victories in 16 matches. But on its tremendous momentum, Monfils seemed to have the means to offer itself a big first in the semi-final in Dubai. First by detaching 6-2, 3-1. Then by awarding the trifle of three match balls in a row in the decisive game of the second round, 6 points to 3 in his favor.

Alas, a shortage of first balls, a small fault in the forehand or a lack of initiatives were not going to allow him to finally overcome this devil of Djokovic who, after having grazed the precipice, was going to come out of a compromised situation to overthrow French. What nourish important regrets. Especially in view of the first part of a semi-final overflown by a radiant Monfils at the service and who was playing in total confidence. Just like this ace at 214kml / h on a second ball. Unable to afford a break point, rushed to the bottom of the court, Djokovic suffered. But did not let go. At 6-2, 3-1, the Serb was in the ropes but he was going to take advantage of a small drop in speed of his opponent to go up in speed, lining up three games in a row (3-4).

THE STREAK CONTINUES! @DjokerNole goes 17-0 in 2020 and 17-0 against Monfils to make the final in Dubai

: @TennisTV | @ DDFTennispic.twitter.com / wNbG62EzRA

- ATP Tour (@atptour) February 28, 2020

From then on, Monfils was evolving on a thread. Physically, he multiplied the signs indicating that he was close to the breaking point. But Djokovic was not in a great day, which was confirmed by the eight set balls missed by the world number 1 straddling three different games, three of which were on forehand shots unusual for him. Except that by dint of folding, Monfils ended up breaking to yield the decisive game 10 points to 8. The French started the last act well by winning his service game but it was his last burst of pride. Behind, the Belgrade steamroller started and the games paraded at full speed in the hands of a ruthless Djokovic (2-6, 7-6, 6-1), who will challenge Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final.

Read also

  • Dubai painting

Source: lefigaro

All news articles on 2020-02-28

You may like

Trends 24h

News/Politics 2024-03-28T06:04:53.137Z

Latest

© Communities 2019 - Privacy

The information on this site is from external sources that are not under our control.
The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.