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Gasquet: Monfils should be in Top 10

Monfils had a forehand winner that was 177km/h fast, and won in three sets, but he had problems with his serve and his stomach. He had hamburgers before the match again. Gasquet was nervous even though his opponent was an old customer. Even the average play was enough to win in three sets. Monfils won the last three out of four matches they played

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Once again, talent won over persistence. Even though Gonzalez did a lot this season, he was powerless against Monfils. The French had 45 winners despite stomachache. The Colombian only had 13. Their first serves were about equally fast, but Monfils was the one who attacked more easily from the transition. He got 17 break-balls, realized seven, and lost his serve only twice. In the meantime, he got on the cover pages again. He decided to go for a forehand winner from a jump, from the baseline. The ball flew right by the Colombian at 177 km/h:

- It turned out great. I try that often at the practice, so it's not making a show.

The Colombian started the match 2-0, but Monfils evened it out soon enough. After that, both held their serve until the 11th game when Monfils missed three tied break-balls. The game wasn't over, though. The French got a new chance and used it this time. After that, everything went smooth. He started the following two sets with a break, and calmly finished the job, despite his serve not working well. He had 10 double errors, and had only 50% of the first serve.

- It was difficult in the first set. I had to catch rhythm because my stomach hurt, and the hamburger smell didn't help. All in all, I enjoyed being on the court. Everything was okay except for the serve. That frustrated me - Monfils commented on his weak start of the match. 

Gasquet also had problems opening the match. Perhaps he accepted Lorenzi's plea to not crush him as usual. Even though Gasquet started with 3-0, they got to a tie. The Italian was a hard nut to crack. He saved three set-balls for 5-5, and then another one in the next game. He even lead 3-2 with a serve in the tie-break, but only won one more point till the end. The rest was routine. He won the second set with two breaks in the final moments, and only one was enough for the third set.

- I played too reserved in the first set. I missed too many set-balls and it made me nervous. I knew I had to win a tie-break because it would become difficult otherwise. I won the first set, but my hand didn't relax. I made too many errors, even on backhand - Gasquet was self-critical after the win, but he still mentioned a few positive details:

- Even though I only used four break-balls out of 18, I managed to win in three sets. I didn't feel any pain, which is definitely good news.

Now, he'll face Monfils, who'll definitely have more support from the stands. Gasquet's backhand often makes the audience sigh in awe, but Monfils' communication with the stands is a universal language. They faced each other for the first time ten years ago, and played 10 matches since. Monfils has the advantage, he won both matches they played this year, and three out of the last four.

- I look forward to this match, and believe it'll be a good one. We know each other well, and I think he's a bit of a favorite today because of his good results in the last weeks. One thing is for sure. The way he plays, he should be ranked much higher. He's a Top 10, in my opinion.