Gaël Monfils Triumphs in Doha to Reach Quarterfinals: Full match report

Monfils wins with panache

For the first time in the 2024 season, Gaël Monfils has a second consecutive success. The day after his victory against Botic van de Zandschulp (6-1, 7-6), the Frenchman, currently 68th in the ATP, won on Wednesday against Zhang Zhizhen (48th in the world and quarter-finalist at the Open 13 early February) in three sets (4-6, 7-5, 7-6) after a beautiful standoff which lasted 2h26. Sometimes getting off to a bad start, the Parisian, author of 13 aces, was able to stay the course to reach the quarters where he will face his compatriot Ugo Humbert.

During the first set, Gaël Monfils held off Zhang Zhizhen but conceded his serve at 4-4, at the worst time. In the next set, the battle continued between the two men but this time, the roles were reversed at the end of the set. Then during the last act, Gaël Monfils made his opponent bow in the tie-break by being more efficient on the important points.

Since the start of his professional career, the 2008 Roland-Garros semi-finalist has won 26 matches in Doha. He is therefore only three victories away from the record held by Roger Federer in Qatar. To match the Swiss, Gaël Monfils will have to be crowned at the end of the week. “The support of the public helped me a lot. It was a superb battle, I ran a lot, he assured at the end of the meeting. Doha suits me well. I have a lot of victories here, that counts. I I’m going to concentrate on recovering well before tomorrow’s match against Ugo. He’s very good at the moment, he has a lot of confidence, I’m going to take on the challenge.”

Monfils continues his journey and offers himself a 100% tricolor duel with Humbert

Rublev was too strong for Gasquet

It took 58 minutes for Andrey Rublev to dispose of Richard Gasquet (6-3, 6-4) during the second round of the Doha tournament. The number 1 seed, crowned on Qatari soil in 2020 against Corentin Moutet, thoroughly dominated the French player, winner the day before against Alexander Shevchenko (6-4, 6-4). During the first set, the Russian, author of seven aces, made the break at 3-2 before concluding a few minutes later.

In the second set, Andrey Rublev increased the pressure and ensured his success following his third match point. “I’m always happy to win in two sets, it’s always better, noted the Russian, who will face Jakub Mensik, Andy Murray’s opponent, in the quarterfinals. It’s also good to finish not too late to be ready for tomorrow (Thursday). My future opponent? This is the first time I’m going to face him. He’s very talented. He’s very strong for his age (18 years old). I saw his match against Andy and he’s going to I have to be ready.”

The step was too high for Gasquet, stifled by Rublev

Humbert assure

Ugo Humbert perfectly assumed his status as French number one on Wednesday. The current 18th player in the world defeated the Russian Pavel Kotov (6-4, 6-1). After a tight first set, the 25-year-old Frenchman, winner of the Open 13 on February 11 against Grigor Dimitrov, made the difference by taking his opponent’s service at 5-4 following a shutout.

During the second round, Ugo Humbert, author of four aces and great consistency in serving (89% of points won on his first ball) unfolded and left the 64th player in the world no chance.

Murray bows after a great arm wrestling

The day after his victory in two sets against Alexandre Muller (6-1, 7-6), Andy Murray lost in the second round against the Czech Jakub Mensik (7-6, 6-7, 7-6). However, the Scot, former world number one who has now fallen to 50th place, put on a show with his opponent. In fact, the two men went blow for blow for 3 hours and 26 minutes. Andy Murray may, however, harbor regrets when he thinks back to his two first set balls not converted in the tie-break.

Then, the double Olympic gold medalist (2012 and 2016) was able to hang on and equalize in the decisive game of the second set (7-3). During the third round, Jakub Mensik, author of twelve aces, thought he had done the hardest part when he led 5-2 with two breaks in advance. But Andy Murray drew on his reserves to seek a new tie-break. Despite this comeback from the Scot, the 116th in the world did not give up.

“It was a tough match today. I watched Andy on TV when I was younger. He’s an incredible player,” said the Czech. “I had a little bit of luck. A 5-5 Throughout the third set, I told myself that this guy wasn’t going to give me any points. But luckily, I stayed calm and focused until the end.”

2024-02-22 09:25:53
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