Gaël Monfils advances to the semifinals after beating Lucas Pouille in straight sets
What a great performance by Monfils. He looks composed and consistent and really knew how to take advantage of Pouille’s weaknesses. In the post-interview he calls New York his second home and playing like that, it’s hard to disagree with him. The 30-year-old looked extremely comfortable today as he makes the semifinals for the very first time at the US Open. Credit must go to Lucas Pouille as he had a great tournament. One must think that beating Nadal in a four-hour match took a lot our of him, but make no mistake, the future looks bright for the 22-year-old Frenchman.
That’s it from me, thanks so much for tuning in.
Updated
Monfils wins third set and match: 6-4, 6-3, 6-3
Third set (Monfils leads 6-4, 6-3): Monfils 6-3 Pouille
Monfils serves and as Pouille comes close to the line, the server sees it and lobs him. It doesn’t stop Pouille from pushing forward, however, as he wins the next one. 15-15. Monfils tries to lob him again but this time, Pouille answers. Monfils ties it up after a great forehand winner from a service return and now he really means business as he smashes again, Match point....and guess what? He wins it with an ace.
Third set (Monfils leads 6-4, 6-3): Monfils* 5-3 Pouille (*denotes next server)
Pouille serves to stay in the game and the championship. It doesn’t begin well as he double faults. An unforced error by Monfils ties it up, and a great backhand winner makes it 30-15. We go to 30-30 after another unforced error, but Pouille, again, comes to the net and it’s 40-30. Another great rally ends with a beautiful drop shot. Pouille stays alive.
Third set (Monfils leads 6-4, 6-3): Monfils 5-2 Pouille* (*denotes next server)
Pouille starts strong as Monfils faults on a backhand return. A great rally close to the net ends as Pouille makes a mistake and can’t quite get the ball close to the net. Monfils leads 30-15. Pouille with a drop shot and this time, Monfils can’t reach it, 30-30. A fantastic forehand winner after Pouille returns the serve is too much for the young man and an unforced error means Monfils is one game away from the semi-finals.
Third set (Monfils leads 6-4, 6-3): Monfils* 4-2 Pouille (*denotes next server)
Pouille is trying everything now and refuses to sit back. After a great forehand volley, it’s 30-0 but unfortunately, his second serve lets him down again. An unforced error makes it 40-15 and another, this time by Pouille, goes 40-30. The 22-year-old takes the game with a forehand winner.
Third set (Monfils leads 6-4, 6-3): Monfils 4-1 Pouille* (*denotes next server)
Monfils is all business as he quickly jumps to 30-0. Another unforced error by Pouille makes it 40-0 and Monfils takes it as he wins it with a great forehand winner.
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Third set: Monfils* 3-1 Pouille (*denotes next server)
Pouille’s legs are just not there. Another unforced error from a simple return makes it 0-15. Wow, Monfils is just everywhere. He reaches the drop shot and lobs him again. Amazing. Pouille comes to the net again and wins it. 15-30. A strong first serve ties it up. He comes to the net again and again comes out victorious. 40-30. A forehand unforced error ties it up, and a failed drop shot makes it a break point for Monfils. Right now he is everywhere as another drop shot is returned by Monfils who then proceeds to smash it with a backhand volley. It’s only a matter of time now.
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Third set: Monfils 2-1 Pouille* (*denotes next server)
Monfils starts strong with a great first serve winner. A couple of unforced errors and i’s 40-0. An ace (his 12th) wins Monfils the game.
Third set: Monfils* 1-1 Pouille (*denotes next server)
A forehand unforced error by Monfils makes it 15-0 but Pouille also faults and it’s 15-15. An unforced error followed by an ace gives Pouille a 40-15 lead. A great forehand return by Monfils is too much for Pouille and it’s 40-30. Pouille comes to net and looks for a basic volley but doesnt go over. A great, great drop shot by Pouille is too muchb for the athletic Monfils and its advantage Pouille. Monfils, however, gets angry and an amazing backhand is too much for the server. Deuce. The best rally of the match, where Pouille answers an audacious lob, ends in an unforced error by Monfils. Pouille wins a crucial game and it’s 1-1.
Third set: Monfils 1-0 Pouille* (*denotes next server)
We’re at 15-15 as Pouille keeps coming to the net. A forehand unforced error makes it 30-15 and a ridiculous backhand should be 40-15, Pouille challenges but does not succeed. Another unforced error (his 33rd) and Monfils wins it.
Monfils wins second set 6-3
Second set: Monfils* 6-3 Pouille (*denotes next server)
Pouille struggles with his serve and it’s another double fault, his third of the match. A couple of unforced errors and it’s 0-40. Guess what? Another double fault and that’s Monfils’ 14th consecutive set of the tournament.
Second set: Monfils 5-3 Pouille* (*denotes next server)
Well, it took 15 minutes to close the roof and for the court to dry and will this break favor Pouille? Before the break, the momentum definitely favored Monfils. We’ll see. Monfils to serve. After a good rally, a fantastic backhand is too much for Pouille and it’s 15-0. Pouille keepas coming to the net and not sure if its the right strategy as he has only one 14 out of 25 attempts. At 40-15, Monfils makes a backhand unforced error and then a double fault. Yikes. Deuce. But then an ace gives him the advantage and another grants him the game.
They really love their roof.
We still can't get enough of our new toy... ☔☔☔ #usopen pic.twitter.com/opXktZ1hQY
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 6, 2016
As we wait, how about you check out the roof’s three-year-construction in one minute?
Well, I was wrong about the weather. A hard drizzle means that the roof will possibly make an appearance. The ref is speaking to both of them and now, yes, the roof begins to close and the audience cheers. It only takes about five minutes so we should be returning to action momentarily.
Welcome back, #usopen roof! A brief break in the action between #Monfils and #Pouille as we pause to close the roof on Ashe.
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 6, 2016
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Second set: Monfils* 4-3 Pouille (*denotes next server)
It’s understandable how many could be frustrated by Pouille. His first serve is a great one as he surges ahead 40-0 but then an error makes it 40-15. Pouille attacks the net, however, and wins the game.
Second set: Monfils 4-2 Pouille* (*denotes next server)
Monfils starts strong with an ace and that is followed by a backhand unforced error by Pouille. 30-0. He also makes a mistake, however, and Pouille gets one back. Another fault and Monfils leads 40-15. He wins it with a great forehand winner. Vintage Monfils.
Second set: Monfils* 3-2 Pouille (*denotes next server)
Pouille makes it 30-0 with a couple of unforced error but Monfils gets one back with a great backhand winner. Pouille double faults again and it’s 30-30 but then goes ahead with an ace! Monfils makes it 40-40 with Pouille’s forehand unforced error but one of his own makes it advantage to the young Pouille, he wins the game with another mistake.
Second set: Monfils 3-1 Pouille* (*denotes next server)
Weather wise, so far so good as the drizzle seems to have disappeared. A couple of points, including an ace, and Monfils surges ahead. A few unforced errors and Monfils wins it. Easy stuff for the server.
Second set: Monfils* 2-1 Pouille (*denotes next server)
A drop shot by Pouille was a great idea but unfortunately the execution doesn’t help him. 0-15. He keeps coming to the net, looking to volley, but this time it’s too hard. 0-30. A backhand unforced error gives him his first point but once again another volley error rewards Monfils with double break point. Pouille comes hard to the net and this time it pays off. 30-40. A forehands unforced error, however, gives Monfils the game.
Second set: Monfils 1-1 Pouille* (*denotes next server)
Monfils keeps going with his strategy and wins the first point with a big serve. He also gets some luck as Pouille hits the ball to the net as he chases a drop shot from the 30-year-old. Monfils wins the game thanks to another great serve....135mph.
Second set: Monfils* 0-1 Pouille (*denotes next server)
Is Pouille losing his legs a little bit? Did the Nadal game take too much from him? At 15-15, he commits an unforced error and a double fault makes it 15-40. He comes back on a great backhand volley and it’s 30-40. A big serve ties it up. He catches a big break as Monfils makes an unforced error and another power serve wins it for him.
Monfils wins first set 6-4
First set: Monfils 6-4 Pouille* (*denotes next server)
An accurate first serve causes Pouille to go over and it’s 15-0. An ace makes it 30-0 and another gives him triple set point. Monfils doesn’t mess around as a magnificent cross-court forehand wins it. First set to the 30-year-old Parisian.
First set: Monfils* 5-4 Pouille (*denotes next server)
Pouille keeps coming to the net and Monfils knows his shots have to be more aggressive. Pouille comes victorious, however, and makes it 15-0. Monfils wins the next one with an extremely accurate second serve winner. At 40-15, Pouille commits a forehand unforced error but Monfils also goes over the line and Pouille stays in it. Monfils will serve for the first set.
First set: Monfils 5-3 Pouille* (*denotes next server)
It will be interesting to see if Monfils will stick to his defensive plan as he serves. A backhand unforced error makes it 0-15 but an exquisite forehand ties it up. Another ace and it’s 30-15. One more and it’s 40-15. Monfils, however, keeps making the same mistake with his backhand and it’s 40-30, but Pouille imitates his countryman and the game goes to Monfils.
First set: Monfils* 4-3 Pouille (*denotes next server)
Pouille is making Monfils run everywhere as he makes him chase a winner. He slides and takes it. Another great forehand and it’s 0-30. Pouille makes an unforced error and it’s triple break point. Pouille aces, 15-40. Monfils breaks for the first time. New balls are introduced.
First set: Monfils 3-3 Pouille* (*denotes next server)
Monfils sticks to the defensive plan and wins the first point thanks to an unforced error. A great ace makes it 30-0 and another one makes it 40-0. Pouille challenges and wins it. Second serve, back to 30-0. A ridiculous chip pass makes it 30-15. Monfils makes an error and it’s 30-30 but another ace gives him the following point. Monfils’ serve is heating up as he aces once again.
First set: Monfils* 2-3 Pouille (*denotes next server)
Another lob by Monfils, too difficult for Pouille, and its 15-15. A backhand unforced error by Monfils on the return gives the lead to the server and it quickly goes 40-15 as Pouille keeps attacking the net...he loves to volley. Just like the last game this one is also won by an ace. 3-2 to the 22-year-old.
First set: Monfils 2-2 Pouille* (*denotes next server)
What a great start! Pouille comes to the net but Monfils anticipates with a lob. Pouille hits it back between his legs but is just out. A great forehand deep to the baseline makes it 30-0. Pouille comes back to 30-30 after a few unforced errors but loses the next one due to one of his own as the ball skims the net but goes out. Monfils wins the game with an ace.
First set: Monfils* 1-2 Pouille (*denotes next server)
Both players are choosing to stay deep, neither risking going to the net. A cautious start from both. A fantastic power forehand by Monfils makes it 0-30. The game gets exciting now as Monfils slides as he tries to reach for a return but is not successful. Pouille makes it 30-30 by now starting to come to the net. A forehand unforced error by Monfils makes it 40-30 but Pouille also makes an error and we’re at deuce. The best rally of the match thus far ends in another unforced error by Pouille. First break opportunity...but Pouille wins it as he comes to the net. Just a note, were seeing some drizzle so theres a chance for the roof to make its introduction. Pouille makes it advantage with a great forehand winner. He wins the game as he comes to the net with a great forehand volley.
First set: Monfils 1-1 Pouille* (*denotes next server)
The first point of the game begins with a beautiful lob by Monfils. It seems he is content to play some defensive tennis as we start this match, waiting for Pouille to attack and then take advantage of his mistakes. An unforced error makes it 40-15. Another forehand error ties it up.
First set: Monfils* 0-1 Pouille (*denotes next server)
Pouille begins the game with some powerful offense, winning points from his first serve. At 30-0 we see the first rally where Monfils appears cautious, and loses the point with an unforced error. At 40-15, Pouille wins the game with a great two-handed backhand.
Let’s play some tennis! Pouille will serve first.
The players enter the court and we’re moments away from the main event. There is some breeze with a slight chance of rain.
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Preamble
Hello everyone and welcome to what hopefully will be an exciting match as Gael Monfils faces Lucas Pouille in this all-French quarterfinal. First and foremost let me say this: this encounter is exactly why we love this game and the fact that on paper, it was not even meant to happen. Admit it, this had Nadal/Raonic written all over it, but these two were ready to crash the party.
The 30-year-old Monfils arrives tonight without dropping a set, including his recent victory against Marcos Baghdatis (6-3, 6-2, 6-3) in the previous round. The Parisian is one of the most exciting players because quite simply he’s everything in one package: audaciously talented, improvisational and extremely frustrating to watch. His acrobatic style can fill a highlight reel but his inability to stay consistent has impeded him from reaching a higher level. He has six titles to his name and only reached a Grand Slam semi-final once: the French Open in 2008. At the US Open, he has reached the quarters twice, without any success. But this summer, with the help of his new coach, Swede Mikael Tillstrom, he is enjoying a great season, making it to the quarterfinals in the Australian Open and winning the Citi Open.
In his way, stands the new kid on the block, 22-year-old Pouille, who after beating Nadal in a thrilling four-hour, five-set affair, is ready to make some more noise at Flushing Meadows. After making it to the last eight in Wimbledon earlier this summer, Pouille climbed to 21st in the world. The Frenchman has all the attributes of a star, only time will tell if he lives up to expectation.
The last and only time both players have faced each other was last year at the Australian Open in the first round when Monfils came back from two sets down to win 6-7 3-6 6-4 6-1 6-4.
Stay tuned, this is going to be a good one.
Luis will be here shortly but in the meantime here’s how Andy Murray got on last night:
Of the eight players left in the men’s draw of the 2016 US Open, Andy Murray has hit the highest pitch of excellence – and the fastest serve of his life – in allowing Grigor Dimitrov only five games in two hours of exhilarating tennis.
The Scot’s 141 mile-an-hour rocket on the eighth evening of the tournament was one of nine aces he put past the bewildered Bulgarian, who barely got into the match at any point. On Wednesday Murray plays the sixth seed and former finalist Kei Nishikori, who earlier put out the veteran Ivo Karlovic in three tough sets.
Murray said courtside: “I served 145 in San Jose once, but the next day they recalibrated the gun because it was completely wrong. I think I was lucky. I’ve never hit over 140 before. I don’t expect to do it again.”
