Match report

Gael Monfils © Tennistalk.com
ATP Masters Series Monte Carlo
1st round
4/21/08 1 2 Tot
fr  Gael Monfils 7 6 2
es  Fernando Verdasco 5 4 0
Fernando Verdasco © Tennistalk.com

  • Monfils through but still tentative over old injury

    4/23/08 2:28 AM | David Cox
    Gael Monfils secured an impressive 7-5, 6-4 win over the on-form Fernando Verdasco, his first ever victory in Monte Carlo and probably his best since his return to the tour.

    Speaking afterwards Monfils said that he’s still concerned about recurring injury “ I do fear something might happen because I got hurt here last year. But I see that my body is holding up to practice, to matches, and apparently the change of surface didn't affect me this year. I have had no pain in changing from hard courts to clay which I am very happy about.”

    Monfils’ fine serving throughout the match (he hit 6 aces) proved key to the win;
    “Even before I was hurt, I was serving well. During the match, I didn't make any miracles, I just played with changes of rhythm and very far behind the baseline” said the Frenchman who also recognised that he needs to step up the court more to have further success on clay, “ I think it's better when I go to the net. Before I was hurt, I was going to the net often, especially in the French Open. But today I was thinking about other things.”

    Tommy Haas’ shoulder broke down again against Olivier Rochus on Monday. The injury flared up again during Haas’ recuperation from a cold after Indian Wells and the extra wear and tear caused by competing on wet clay has made it worse. The German battled against the odds for almost a set and a half before calling it a day at 6-1, 3-0 down.

    Sebastien Grosjean was another to fall to the injury curse, his match against Ivo Karlovic was locked at 1 set apiece and looking set to go the distance before Grosjean pulled a leg muscle running for a shot. Against a player like Karlovic he could play on for a few games but at 4-1 down in the 3rd it was evident that it was to no avail.

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