10
Monfils Uses Emotional Adrenaline To Slay Kei in Montreal
152 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Scoop
Gael Monfils comes back from 6-7 2-5 down, then 3-5 in the 3rd and 2-6 in the 3rd set tiebreaker, beats Kei Nishikori 6-7(4), 7-5, 7-6(6) in Montreal second round.
Monfils had never beaten Nishikori before and had lost several super close third set tiebreakers to the Japanese ace.
But yesterday the rivalry changed in dramatic fashion. Monfils saved an incredible four straight match points for 6-6 and then a Nishikori forehand long and a Monfils inside in forehand winner finished the job.
From 2-6 down, Monfils played some magical tennis and expressed more animated emotion than I have ever seen from him. It was clearly the Frenchman experiencing entering the zone of playing unbeatable tennis. And it was Monfils utilizing his emotional adrenaline energy course.
Nishikori could no nothing about it, despite having the mental edge of having never lost a match to Monfils.
Last week in Washington at the Citi Open, before losing to Yuki Bhambri in three sets, Monfils talked about the belief that he still believes he will become a Grand Slam champion in what he termed is “the second half of his career.”
After seeing the new level of genius and the utilization of his vast emotional adrenaline reserves, Monfils has just entered the equation of potential ATP players who can win a major title in the next year or two or three. Yesterday’s incredible display against Nishikori was that impressive.
It was the type of win that can not only alter a draw or change a tournament…it was the type of win that can change Monfils’ career and his perception of himself.
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1 2 3 4 Next »Scoop Malinowski · August 10, 2017 at 1:46 pm
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Monfils was 2-62 after losing the 1st set vs top10 players Nishikori was 95-1 after winning the 1st set v 21+
Chazz · August 10, 2017 at 2:00 pm
Chazz writes:
He sure hit some big shots in that tiebreaker, but I felt it was an epic choke by Kei. He has had a really disappointing year.
Andrew Miller · August 10, 2017 at 2:55 pm
Andrew Miller writes:
Schwartzman ko's Donaldson. Next Gen meltdown here in the states.
Andrew Miller · August 10, 2017 at 2:56 pm
Andrew Miller writes:
Shapovalov can beat Nadal. Will he? Doubtful, Nadal has won the Montreal tournament and wants to decimate the next Gen on the court before patting them on the back at the net. Rough sport.
Andrew Miller · August 10, 2017 at 2:58 pm
Andrew Miller writes:
Safarova beating Makarova as if EMak stole something from her. Third set kibosh. Carolina Garcia shows Bellis the exit door. Wozniaki quietly continues to have a strong year.
Andrew Miller · August 10, 2017 at 3:01 pm
Andrew Miller writes:
Like with Pennetta, Safarova is a player I root for. I'd like to see her win a slam – if anything to show Berdych that he doesn't have a slam. Cruel but hey, if Berydch can get rejected by Lendl the least he can so is fall short while Safarova cleans up.
Thomas Tung · August 10, 2017 at 3:06 pm
Thomas Tung writes:
Andrew, Schwartzman is one of the smartest and canniest veteran players on tour (kind of a lesser version of David Goffin, if that makes sense) — and I believe he has trained with Jared before (back when Donaldson was training in Argentina), so Diego is very familiar with Donaldson's game. No surprises there. If Denis the Menace can beat Nadal, that would be a huge confidence booster and upset, even more noteworthy than when Shapovalov took down an overconfident Kyrgios at this time last year. I have nothing against Nadal, but I'd like to see Denis pull off the upset.
Thomas Tung · August 10, 2017 at 3:10 pm
Thomas Tung writes:
The "fun fact" is that for all of Lendl's vaunted (or despised, depending on who you ask) "robotic" style of play, he actually had more variety of shot (and used it a lot more) than Berdych. Berdych's footwork is almost as good as Ivan's was, he hits the ball bigger, and his serve is better, but the lack of variety/some lack of mental toughness is the key factor. That having been said, Berdych's two matches with Federer at AO and SW19 this year were Slam-final worthy — Tomas really gave it everything he had, but Roger was in full flight.
Chazz · August 10, 2017 at 3:22 pm
Chazz writes:
Schwartzman is really good, in case you missed his win over Thiem the other night. He lost to Donaldson in a really close 3 setter in Eastbourne in late June. This one probably hurts Jared just because he bageled him in the 1st set. Side note: Fritz and Sandgren play against each other tomorrow in the Aptos challenger. Should be a great match.
Andrew Miller · August 10, 2017 at 3:51 pm
Andrew Miller writes:
Sandgren won his match then against MacMac! MacMac had a short flight and Sandgren traveled from coast to coast to make it to Aptos. I like Sandgren.
Andrew Miller · August 10, 2017 at 3:52 pm
Andrew Miller writes:
Thomas Tung, I'm all for canny players. I hold that when the young veterans and next Gen beat up on the canny vets, then we have something to talk about!
Hartt · August 10, 2017 at 3:52 pm
Hartt writes:
As much as I am a Shapovalov fan, I think it would be a minor miracle for him to beat Rafa, given Fafa's current form. If Denis wins a few games I will be more than happy.
catherine · August 10, 2017 at 6:05 pm
catherine writes:
Looks like Wimbledon was a mirage for Angie. On way to a humiliating loss to Sloane S. I have a feeling she may be finished as an effective player. Something you never want to say about anyone but I can't see a way ahead for her, not from here.
catherine · August 10, 2017 at 6:41 pm
catherine writes:
I didn't see the match live but it looked from the scoreline like Angie just gave up. No fight at all. That's the worst bit. Simona steamrollered on. She'll win this. BTW is Federer actually growing a beard ?
Hartt · August 10, 2017 at 8:01 pm
Hartt writes:
That stubble on Fed looks terrible. As someone said, it makes him look older (not to mention scruffy!)
Dan Markowitz · August 10, 2017 at 9:56 pm
Dan Markowitz writes:
What happened to QBall today? Didn't see match. I guess the wheels came off with all the playing he's been doing and tough Tsonga match yesterday. KevAnd has surpassed all the Americans again, including possibly Izzie. Too bad he's only a transplanted American.
Chazz · August 10, 2017 at 11:20 pm
Chazz writes:
Dan, QBall ran into a buzzsaw. Anderson is playing incredible tennis lately. He has rematch of last week's Washington final tomorrow, against Zverev. Shapovalov, wow! First full match I have seen of him and as others have said around here, the kid is amazing. I also really like his court demeanor, and it's good he isn't firing line drives at chair umpires any more. 🙂 I would like to see him get through to the semis along with Zverev so they can square off. I bet those two will have many big matches against each other over the next 10-15 years.
Hartt · August 10, 2017 at 11:26 pm
Hartt writes:
I am beyond speechless that Denis beat Rafa! He played the big points so well, did not get tentative. 🙂
Chazz · August 10, 2017 at 11:32 pm
Chazz writes:
Kind of reminds me of Ostapenko in a way. Sometimes it's good to be young and fearless. His aggression paid off.
Thomas Tung · August 10, 2017 at 11:46 pm
Thomas Tung writes:
Hartt/Chazz: Shapovalov played as if he enjoyed the prospect of winning, Nadal (literally) played as if he hated to lose (much too tentative), and ended up losing (particularly bad returning from Rafa). Denis hit a ton of errors, but was golden whenever it really mattered — much like a young Pete Sampras in that regard (circa Pete's 1990 US Open win, where he played matches in which he was making lots of errors, but even more outstanding offensive play).
catherine · August 11, 2017 at 2:24 am
catherine writes:
Chazz Ostapenko's a flash in the pan. What has she done since Paris ? Shapovalov doesn't seem like that to me. How do you know when a player's done ? You look for the 1,000 yard stare. Kerber had that yesterday at the end of her match – unfocussed and blank. I've seen it in so many players over the years – next thing you know they've retired or drifted down to qualifying. OMG that black Adidas stuff is awful. Whoever told them black was good for summer wear ? And if your spirits are low being decked in mourning can't help.
catherine · August 11, 2017 at 2:38 am
catherine writes:
I do write in paragraphs but this site doesn't seem to like them 🙂 Bizarre score in Barty/Muguruza match. I feel Venus is facing time to go now – for her own sake as well. Looks very tired. Maybe after USO ?
catherine · August 11, 2017 at 3:10 am
catherine writes:
Impressed by how often Stephens was willing to go to the net, even after being passed. Just kept up the pressure. A few good volleys too.
Andrew Miller · August 11, 2017 at 6:24 am
Andrew Miller writes:
Heckuva win from Shapovalov. I'll point out it's a home crowd and he loves playing in front of a home crowd. Even if it were in table tennis it would be a win that leaves everyone speechless. Nadal was a little different after the first set. He must've been a little shocked to play a long haired teenager with the racquet in his left hand covering the court from corner to corner at warp speed. Go figure…Nadal used to be that teenager, it was like looking in the mirror!!!
Andrew Miller · August 11, 2017 at 6:26 am
Andrew Miller writes:
Youngest masters QF in history?!!
Andrew Miller · August 11, 2017 at 6:32 am
Andrew Miller writes:
As Steve Tignor at tennis magazine (whether you love his writing or hate it) after Shapovalov's earlier win this week, "Shapovalov is officially part of the next Gen of ATP". I think that still holds after the Nadal win – he's a promising young player who likes a crowd. Most exciting Canadian prospect since Raonic and Bouchard hit the scene, and creating the most excitement in Canada since Bouchard took the mic to criticize Sharapova (Bouchard's play still hasn't caught up with her microphone mastery!).
Andrew Miller · August 11, 2017 at 6:34 am
Andrew Miller writes:
Sorry Raonic
Hartt · August 11, 2017 at 7:38 am
Hartt writes:
Tignor had a good piece on Denis' win over Rafa. Although he still had an error, said that Denis is outside the top 150, his actual ranking is 143, a pretty easy fact to check. Denis has already reached his season's goal of making the top 150. He reset it to top 100, and will be at No. 100 in the next ranking (and, if he beats Mannarino, could be No. 66). He already needs to set a new goal! This was a terrific win over Rafa, even Denis did not really expect it. I know we should be careful about a young player, and not get too excited. But I think Denis is the real deal. His coach, manager, and others who know him well all say he is extremely hard-working and determined. His aggressive style will take him a long way, although his coach, Martin Laurendeau, is trying to get him to reign it in just a little. But he plays the big points so well, stays cool under that incredible pressure. The crowd support did help him in the tourney, but that is its own pressure and many players wilt under it. Bouchard is a perfect example. But Denis loves the big stage, loves pitting himself against top players. And his success in Queen's just a couple of months ago shows he can play well outside of Canada as well. Denis is slated to play the Vancouver Challenger next week. I wonder if he will make it – even this energetic youngster may be tired by then – physically, mentally and emotionally. What a week for the 18-year-old!
Chazz · August 11, 2017 at 7:40 am
Chazz writes:
I already like him better than Raonic. Moves better in a less robotic way, shows emotion.
Chazz · August 11, 2017 at 7:41 am
Chazz writes:
Catherine, way way too soon to call Ostapenko a flash in the pan. She did do something after the French Open – she made it to the Wimbledon QF.
Hartt · August 11, 2017 at 7:43 am
Hartt writes:
Andrew, I love your "Nadal used to be that teenager, it was like looking in the mirror!!!" 🙂
Scoop Malinowski · August 11, 2017 at 7:45 am
Scoop Malinowski writes:
So when will Shapovalov take over tennis? 2020? 2019? 2018? Shapovalov beats Rafa in his first chance (unbelievable) and Zverev, the annointed future no. 1, still hasn't done it in three or four tries. And Felix is supposed to be better than Shapovalov? Dan did you stick a fork in Raonic?
Hartt · August 11, 2017 at 7:54 am
Hartt writes:
Catherine, yes, this site does hate paragraphs. When my posts first appear there are paragraphs, exactly as I formatted the piece. Then, suddenly, the paragraphs disappear and it is one big block of type. 🙁
Chazz · August 11, 2017 at 8:20 am
Chazz writes:
Yes, the paragraph thing is frustrating. It didn't used to do that. Seems like it started happening when the forum changes were made.
Andrew Miller · August 11, 2017 at 8:28 am
Andrew Miller writes:
Scoop, true. As of today, Shapovalov is undefeated against Nadal. Nadal will remember this next time they play, and the fact that Nadal will remember Shapovalov at all is, as Brad Gilbert wrote last night, " I can't believe I'm even saying this". It's one match. Nick K. was 1-0 also after his Wimbledon win over Nadal. But a glorious win for sure.
Andrew Miller · August 11, 2017 at 8:33 am
Andrew Miller writes:
Still got faith in Milos. But, down year to date.
Hartt · August 11, 2017 at 8:39 am
Hartt writes:
If Milos could stay healthy for a few weeks at a time, it would help. But I was very disappointed with how he let this wrist injury affect him mentally. Yes, it hurt his BH but he should have been able to serve well and hit his FH. Instead, he was distracted by the injury.
Hartt · August 11, 2017 at 8:42 am
Hartt writes:
It is hard to say which youngster is better, Felix or Denis. A great problem for Canadian tennis fans to have! Felix is slated to be back from his wrist injury at the USO qualies, so we will have a chance to see where his game is at.
Andrew Miller · August 11, 2017 at 8:58 am
Andrew Miller writes:
To me too early to predict anything. But these kids are good and have ambition and love a big crowd and have a lot of guts. They are all Ostapenkos.
Andrew Miller · August 11, 2017 at 9:02 am
Andrew Miller writes:
Hartt, Milos in my opinion was very affected in confidence department by loss of top coaches. A year ago today he had Moya and McEnroe on board (or a little more than a year ago). Now he's back with his stable go to coaching and physio, he's just as fragile as before as a big ox and is playing big points worse than before, when he shut the door on opponents. I fear the pressure has smashed Raonic into pieces mentally and his performance doesn't match up with his goals or his coaches. But At least he's not peaking too early. Peaking in Montreal is a rookie mistake. That much we can say.
catherine · August 11, 2017 at 9:13 am
catherine writes:
Andrew – I wouldn't do any predictions myself, about anyone. Just let things unroll without creating more pressure – impossible task I agree but probably better in the long run. (new para !) News today about Azarenka possibly having to skip USO. Unfortunate situation for everyone and let's hope it can all be resolved without too much media prying.
catherine · August 11, 2017 at 9:14 am
catherine writes:
We need an icon here to indicate there are para breaks and it's not all stream-of-consciousness 🙂
catherine · August 11, 2017 at 9:26 am
catherine writes:
Note on adidas fashion range – Black is almost Germany's national colour and it's ok if you're blonde. Not so much otherwise. And soaks up the sun. A racquet manufacturer once told me that the key to selling equipment in Germany was simply to market the same model range as for other countries but have them painted black. Worked like a dream.
catherine · August 11, 2017 at 9:28 am
catherine writes:
Ha Ha ! Paras there !
catherine · August 11, 2017 at 9:29 am
catherine writes:
Oh no ! Just to trip me up – block suddenly appeared. This site will not tolerate 'widows'.
Hartt · August 11, 2017 at 9:33 am
Hartt writes:
As a close follower of Milos, I think he has several problems. He puts way too much pressure on himself to win Rogers Cup. It is telling that his best run was way back in 2013, when he made the final against Nadal. Back then he was not expected to do particularly well, so he had much less pressure. And I wish he would stop wearing the red and white kit with the maple leaf when he plays this tourney – he needs to treat it more like a regular tournament, not like a "Canadian" event. (new paragraph) Another problem is he is too cautious by nature. He knows he needs to play an aggressive style to win (goodness knows he says that often enough), but that is not his basic personality. Shapovalov has always had an aggressive style, and it shows in big matches. Milos desperately needs to loosen up in big points, big matches, not think so much, and go for it more. (new paragraph) Which brings me to my last point. It is great that Milos wants to continually improve, but there comes a point where he simply needs to consolidate what he does well. Last year he was playing very well (when he was not ill or injured). He needs to get back to how he was playing then, not worry about making yet more changes.
catherine · August 11, 2017 at 9:56 am
catherine writes:
Hartt – Some of the points you make about Milos could just as well apply to Kerber (I'm still thinking about yesterday's debacle), and maybe to a few others. Particularly on assuming an aggressive style when it isn't the basic personality, loosening up, relaxing, not brooding too much, getting back to where he was when he played well – although on this point I'd have to say, time does not stand still so 'going back' may not make sense psychologically. * (para) Angie comes out on court now radiating anxiety, negativity and tension. She's beaten already. And if she, like Milos perhaps, keeps re-running past matches in her head and feeling all the emotions associated with them then there's little room for anything in the present. * I think you should set yourself up as a mind coach 🙂 PS – of course Denis is young and his mind is freer and his natural instincts work without being muddled by a lot of past experience – good and bad.
Andrew Miller · August 11, 2017 at 11:39 am
Andrew Miller writes:
Every player must always improve and execute well. Berydch always executes, but rarely improves.
Andrew Miller · August 11, 2017 at 11:41 am
Andrew Miller writes:
The Toronto women's tournament has a better QF set of matches than the men. Something tells me that success in Montreal means nothing for the us open.
Andrew Miller · August 11, 2017 at 11:42 am
Andrew Miller writes:
Aptos challenger, who is Sarmiento? I know everyone else in that draw.