Monfils Falls Short In First US Open SF

A sweltering New York summer’s day and an opponent now undefeated in 13 FedEx ATP Head2Head encounters combined to put an end to Gael Monfils’ hopes of reaching a maiden Grand Slam final on Friday. The flashy Frenchman fell 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 to top seed Novak Djokovic on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

“At the beginning I think Novak was playing good,” the 10^th seed said. “I didn’t serve great. It was very quickly 5-0. I had to change a little bit … Why stay and lose 6-0 and not change anything? Definitely, I try to get in his head … try to create something new for him to see.

“When the guy is too good, playing clean and you’re playing … not that good you need to change … I almost get back in the first set.”

Monfils, who had reached the semi-finals without conceding a set, managed to lift to take the third set as both players struggled under the oppressive humidity. It was momentary reprieve as Djokovic would prove the steadier of the two in the end.

“I think it was hot and humid, but somehow I think also at one moment of the game it was very physical; was good rallies,” Monfils said of the topsy-turvy affair. “Whenever it’s like that it’s never easy to recover quick, like 25 seconds.”

It was only Monfils’ second run to a Grand Slam semi-final after he fell at the same stage at Roland Garros in 2008 (l. Federer). On top of claiming his biggest ATP World Tour title to date at the Citi Open in Washington, D.C, leading in, he ensured he would crack the Top 10 in the Emirates ATP Rankings for the first time since 2011, rising to No. 8. His best result at Flushing Meadows puts him well on track to qualify for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals where he currently sits at No. 6.