Tennis Prose




Aug/17

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.

· ·

152 comments

  • Andrew Miller · August 11, 2017 at 11:42 am

    Andrew Miller writes:

    Svitolina or Safarova, Czech em out.

  • Andrew Miller · August 11, 2017 at 11:44 am

    Andrew Miller writes:

    Raonic needs to be healthy. He's become a version of Mario Ancic and of the post US Open Del Potro – sometimes inspired and inspiring, usually breaking down every big tournament.

  • Chazz · August 11, 2017 at 11:45 am

    Chazz writes:

    Did anyone catch the Svitolina-Williams match yesterday? What a rout, 2 & 1. I was wondering what happened there.

  • catherine · August 11, 2017 at 11:57 am

    catherine writes:

    Chazz Venus' physical problems may have caught up with her. I gather from those who saw the match that she appeared very tired and just couldn't keep up. Not sure if she is playing Cincinatti – probably shouldn't. Wouldn't be at all surprised if she retires this year.

  • Hartt · August 11, 2017 at 12:51 pm

    Hartt writes:

    Rain in Toronto is holding up the first Women's match – Pliskova v Wozniacki. That will be an interesting contrast of styles. Then Stephens v Safarova. Will Sloane continue to play well? Safarova is so likable she will have a lot of fans. Svitolina v Muguruza – Toronto has a big Ukrainian population, will they be out to support Elina? Will Garbine show that she can have success outside of Slams? We know the Romanian fans will be out in force to support Halep in her match against Garcia. Can they help her win today?

  • Front242 · August 11, 2017 at 1:07 pm

    She said not too long ago she wants to play in the 2020 Olympics so I doubt she's going anywhere.

  • catherine · August 11, 2017 at 1:13 pm

    catherine writes:

    Hart – Simona has the easiest draw possible up to now and she will beat Garcia SS. I watched most of Sloane's match yesterday (Youtube) and was quite impressed with her game, very fast around the court, good forehand, and also her general comportment, which oozed confidence. I have to say I was never a fan of hers but she seems to have matured. This one is a toss-up. Pliskova bt Wozniaki ? Two tall women, one with the better serve. Hope the rain doesn't carry on or there'll be a big back up over the weekend.

  • catherine · August 11, 2017 at 1:18 pm

    catherine writes:

    Front242 – I know Venus said she wants to play in 2020 but I doubt her body is going to allow it. Auto-immune conditions don't get better. But she'll go on as long as she can compete seriously, I'm sure.

  • Andrew Miller · August 11, 2017 at 4:26 pm

    Andrew Miller writes:

    Mannarino's desire vs Shapovalov's emotional crash – what's the pick? Shapovalov's sugar high is going to crash and burn, now or soon. Can Mannarino pull this off and get to the semis of a Masters? Or can Shapo shake off his I can't believe I have to play today reality and punch his semifinal ticket as younger ever masters semifinalist? I predict… Sugar low. Sorry guys, unless Mannarino is himself too nervous to take out Shapovalov, this is Manny's match to get a great result and a sweet payday.

  • Andrew Miller · August 11, 2017 at 4:28 pm

    Andrew Miller writes:

    Love Sloane Stephen's game. Just sometimes she doesn't feel like it.

  • Chazz · August 11, 2017 at 4:51 pm

    Chazz writes:

    Andrew, afraid you're right. And a Mannarino-Zverev semifinal would be significantly less fun than a Shapovalov-Zverev semifinal.

  • Andrew Miller · August 11, 2017 at 5:01 pm

    Andrew Miller writes:

    Chazz, maybe the weather intervenes or Shapo gets a second wind and finds he can pull it off again. It's hard to do this without some physical wherewithal to get through the match. Maybe Shapo's base is good. But if I'm Mannarino, and I can hold off the crowd with smart play, I should be able to pull out a vet win.

  • Andrew Miller · August 11, 2017 at 5:02 pm

    Andrew Miller writes:

    Chazz, my prediction powers don't exist. Shapovalov can do it. But he had a huge high. Hard to muster the enegy for Mannarino.

  • Andrew Miller · August 11, 2017 at 7:29 pm

    Andrew Miller writes:

    Federer now 7-0 vs Bautista Agut and hasn't lost a set against him.

  • Andrew Miller · August 11, 2017 at 8:27 pm

    Andrew Miller writes:

    Shapo evens it at a set all! Kid has shown chops again in this battle vs. fellow lefty Mannarino. Wozniaki ousts Pliskova as payback for 2016 us open a sweet win. And..Stephens bests I love Lucy Safarova in a hard fought 3 setter!

  • Chazz · August 11, 2017 at 8:37 pm

    Chazz writes:

    Gutsy win by Stephens, I think she overcame a couple match points. Is Mannarino a pusher or playing this way to counter Shap's aggression?

  • Andrew Miller · August 11, 2017 at 8:38 pm

    Andrew Miller writes:

    Holy smokes. Shapo breaks and is in position to beat Mannarino. This kid has guts.

  • Andrew Miller · August 11, 2017 at 8:39 pm

    Andrew Miller writes:

    Is he Puig? Or is this move over all other next gens because I'm going for the record books?

  • Andrew Miller · August 11, 2017 at 8:41 pm

    Andrew Miller writes:

    Crashes back to earth. Broken for 2-2, final set. Mist be something to be at that match.

  • Andrew Miller · August 11, 2017 at 8:42 pm

    Andrew Miller writes:

    Manny is trying to make the kid win it. Saying show me what you got because I'm giving you all the boring stuff crafty veteran

  • Chazz · August 11, 2017 at 8:47 pm

    Chazz writes:

    Ok I wasn't sure. Hadn't watched much of Manny before.

  • Andrew Miller · August 11, 2017 at 8:49 pm

    Andrew Miller writes:

    Bouchard says she's playing dubs for more practice good for her, she's getting right advice. Good piece on the cbc. She's really feeling the burden of being in spotlight. Wow. She does not like losing to Vekic. And she said she feels old at 23!!! Feel like she should spend time with Pennetta or players who found some success after near misses. Bouchard likes working with male coaches, but she could use some help from Hingis. Or… SELES.

  • Duke Carnoustie · August 11, 2017 at 9:59 pm

    Duke Carnoustie writes:

    Quality match in Aptos going on right now, Fritz takes the first set over Sandgren 7-5.

  • Chazz · August 11, 2017 at 9:59 pm

    Watching Fritz-Sandgren now on stream. Fritz took the first set 7-5 but had an injury that caused him to take a medical timeout. Looks like it’s going to be tough for him to even finish this match.

  • Hartt · August 11, 2017 at 10:21 pm

    Hartt writes:

    As you will know by now, Shapovalov came back to win his match against Mannarino. Denis showed great fighting spirit, did not get discouraged when Adrian won the first set easily. The youngster has gone from No. 143 to about No. 66 within a few days! Sascha Zverev v Kevin Anderson are playing now, and Denis will play the winner.

  • Andrew Miller · August 11, 2017 at 10:41 pm

    Andrew Miller writes:

    Wow! Shapovalov, youngest masters semifinalist in history!

  • Duke Carnoustie · August 11, 2017 at 11:03 pm

    Duke Carnoustie writes:

    Nice win for Taylor Fritz, 7-5 and 7-6, winning the last seven points after losing the first one in the breaker. He plays Broady in one semi opposite Bublik-Groth. Nice couple of weeks for the youngster and he's got a great chance to pick up some huge points with two more wins.

  • Chazz · August 11, 2017 at 11:03 pm

    Fritz pulled it out, 7-5, 7-6. I guess his injury wasn’t as bad as it looked. Shap-Zverev is going to be one entertaining match tomorrow, assuming Zverev hangs on and wins.

  • catherine · August 12, 2017 at 2:24 am

    catherine writes:

    Andrew – Bouchard is feeling 'the burden of being in the spotlight'. What spotlight ? Maybe in Canada. Pretty faint bulb outside it.

  • Andrew Miller · August 12, 2017 at 4:16 am

    Andrew Miller writes:

    Catherine, I guess. Bouchard is usually in the marketing for smaller us tournaments. In Canada there's always reporting on her and here in the states too, she makes the press (even if it's a what's going on with her? Piece). I liked the cbc.ca piece on her. Cbc is often very fair and well rounded so far as I can tell! Just surprised it unearthed first that she's playing dubs to get more real world matches (erase those single losses with a few doubles wins) and how she used the word burden. It's a common way of describing the spotlight or pressure of living up to a country's expectations, and Isner here is the USA described a similar sensation I think – Roddick definitely talked about it and even enjoyed the benefits. Can't really explain poor Bouchard's drifting down the rankings and her saying she feels old (mostly because she's been living the tennis life for some time now, seven years? Eight? Who knows). Feels like just yesterday she had three straight excellent slams and was facing off against Kvitova. The Kvitova match broke the kid in two and then this very tournament in Canada saw the huge drop off. Ever since then it's been her game, nearly identical, and players who figured out, wait I can just keep hitting deep balls down the middle and side to side and keep doing it. Good for her for playing dubs though. I don't think the Canadian press or any press can say any longer that Bouchard doesn't like practicing or hitting with other wta players. If it wasn't obvious before Bouchard isn't the same player as she was three years ago, and this is one of the best changes she's made.

  • Andrew Miller · August 12, 2017 at 4:20 am

    Andrew Miller writes:

    Maybe the legend of Shapo will win again? One thing for certain Fritz noticed Shapo's masters semifinal! Surprised Sandgren didn't pull out the win. Fritz rediscovering something not too far from home.

  • Hartt · August 12, 2017 at 4:46 am

    Hartt writes:

    I must admit, even as a Canadian, I am a bit bewildered about why Bouchard is big news here, but she is. She does seem to have star power, even when she has not played well for about 3 years. Along with her good looks, she is outgoing and engages with her fans and the press, so I suppose that is part of it. (NP) But she is much more serious about her tennis than she is often given credit for. Those "in the know" have always said she is a hard worker and obviously she is trying to get more match play to try to turn around this long slump.

  • catherine · August 12, 2017 at 6:14 am

    catherine writes:

    Andrew/Hartt – yes, I understand your perspective of Bouchard, and one thing you can say for her – she's not aloof. As for the spotlight, maybe Genie can talk about coping with that to a couple of other players who are or have been REALLY in the spotlight. * I'm one of those who thinks that Genie has never at some level recovered from Kvitova's thrashing. Genie was pretty young then (and she's not so old now I agree !)and Petra took absolutely no notice of that on court, why should she ?, treated her like big experienced competition and totally demolished her. Merciless. Who knows what effect that had on Genie's self-esteem, as a person and a player ?

  • Hartt · August 12, 2017 at 8:13 am

    Hartt writes:

    Catherine, I agree that the thrashing Kvitova gave Genie at Wimby had a big effect on her. She went into that match full of confidence, not knowing how fortunate she'd been to have such a good run. But then she faced the player I call "Scary Petra," who would have demolished anyone on that day. (Petra has said it may have been the best match of her career.) It was a rude awakening for a young player. (NP) Then she had a series of injuries that summer, had the meltdown at Rogers Cup, and hit the sophomore slump big time, and never got back on track. Just when it looked like she was finally playing better, at the USO, she suffered the concussion. There have been vague references to family problems being a distraction as well. So I give her credit for continuing to try to come back, but unless something changes suddenly, it does not look promising.

  • Andrew Miller · August 12, 2017 at 8:32 am

    Andrew Miller writes:

    Bouchard made a fan of me with her decision to go to the olympics. When I saw her practice up close – with other wta players Mladenovic and Broady – i realized that she wasn't what some press folks were saying about her. It was a little sad to me that the narrative around her and "friends on tour" was so sour because of the Bouchard vs Robson debacle that the British press gobbled up and kept regurgitating. There was indeed something there with the Saviano is my coach thing, but who knows why that even happened – possible Saviano went for the payday or decided his schedule wasn't going to allow him to train both players given the tournaments would be different for each one. When i saw her she was back with Saviano, but this didn't seem like Bouchard the i don't need any friends on tour girl. It was the Bouchard i get along just fine thanks with other players on tour and we all have each other's cell phone numbers, and we may not be friends but we work it out because there aren't enough practice courts and hitting with other players helps to know their games!!! Difference between friendship and sparring partners, for sure. But looking back, was Bouchard really being dishonest? No. However, My guess. She's had misgivings about the tenure with Saviano. Seems her game had more to do with her talent etc than Saviano coaching. Hit harder.

  • Andrew Miller · August 12, 2017 at 8:47 am

    Andrew Miller writes:

    Thought: Raonic lost his touch from Olypmics decision. It's possible he would have medaled, and that would have put him in Canada as a hero, and set him up with momentum for the us open. Worst decision he's made as a player after an epic run to the Wimbledon final.

  • Andrew Miller · August 12, 2017 at 8:49 am

    Andrew Miller writes:

    Furthermore: Top ten players went to Olympics, so Raonic missed out. They excelled where he didn't, and that's still the case. His team unraveled and his game was troubled by his physical breakdowns.

  • Andrew Miller · August 12, 2017 at 8:52 am

    Andrew Miller writes:

    Bouchard a little like Zvereva Natasha, Wimbledon finalist. Went on to hall of fame dubs. I think Bouchard has way more game, but as one TPer pointed out some time back when I said it, Bouchard isn't Seles even if her aggression on court resembled Seles' approach to the game. To me the most Seles of players, Serena Williams. On court ferocity.

  • Andrew Miller · August 12, 2017 at 8:55 am

    Andrew Miller writes:

    Seles' array of shots and spins was so impressive. She could do a lot with the ball, though her net play (not her great drop shot!) was…pretty darn weak. Bouchard beats her there and also on serve, but with the groundies Bouchard doesn't have the variety.

  • Scoop Malinowski · August 12, 2017 at 8:56 am

    Scoop Malinowski writes:

    At this point Bouchard is cross between Mary Joe Fernandez and Kournikova, whole lottta power and beauty but not quite there with that lil extra X factor and 'i simply wont be denied' tenacity. Mary Jo didn't have a Mary Jo Army though. Kournikova sure did 🙂

  • Andrew Miller · August 12, 2017 at 8:58 am

    Andrew Miller writes:

    Back to Shapovalov, amazing play. He's going to get a match we all want against Zverev the Younger. Will one young man put the other in his place? I'm not making a prediction!!! My sense is Zverev gets how momentous the match is and wont want to encourage Shapo. He better start saying oh Denis is so amazing what a great player. Then ambush his younger opponent. If not this isn't going to end well for Zverev the Younger who probably wishes his big brother, who loves beating best generation players to set up his little brother, didn't get a shot at Shapo first and teach him a lefty lesson from the future!

  • Scoop Malinowski · August 12, 2017 at 8:58 am

    Scoop Malinowski writes:

    So what if Bouchard had no friends on the tour? Sharapova does not. Sampras didn't either. Sampras once played eighteen holes of golf with three other ATP players and according to one player, 'Pete didn't say one word to anyone the entire 18 holes."

  • Andrew Miller · August 12, 2017 at 8:59 am

    Andrew Miller writes:

    Agree with Scoop, kournikova without music videos!

  • Scoop Malinowski · August 12, 2017 at 9:00 am

    Scoop Malinowski writes:

    Maybe Bouchard overachieved to get to the Wimble final? Maybe she realizes or believes she just isn't quite good enough yet to win a major. Self belief… Can't buy it in a bottle at tenniswarehouse.com.

  • Scoop Malinowski · August 12, 2017 at 9:06 am

    Scoop Malinowski writes:

    Andrew; Fritz got the early break in the first game of the match though Sandgren led that game and that set the tone. Fritz like Paul is a very good player who actually has won a lot more at the ATP level than Sandgren so he is arguably the better player despite his ranking. Fritz is going to awaken again, just like Paul has. Sandgren is playing super ball too. Can't win em all.

  • Scoop Malinowski · August 12, 2017 at 9:07 am

    Scoop Malinowski writes:

    Bouchard is big news. If she sneezes it's going to become a story. Certain athletes have that star power – Agassi, Tyson, Kournikova for a while, Jeter.

  • Andrew Miller · August 12, 2017 at 9:12 am

    Andrew Miller writes:

    Scoop, I agree. Fritz is too good to let that talent go. But his footwork was LAZY in Atlanta! And Eubanks rightfully exposed some issues in Fritz game. I noticed that Fritz doesn't seem to have proper attitude heading into his matches – he had this just over a year and a half ago, wiping out veterans on his way to two challenger titles, an Australian bravado performance, then a memorable finals tun in Memphis and good playing in Delray before Querrey kiboshed him in a tight three setter. Maybe that Southern Californian ease could use a change up from the example of fellow Southern Californians like Querrey and others. He had such desire when he stepped on the court and that's way more diluted. Maybe because he doesn't have a great team around him. I don't know.

  • Hartt · August 12, 2017 at 9:13 am

    Hartt writes:

    At this point I think winning a Major is the least of Genie's concerns. She would like to win a few matches back-to-back. Getting back into the top 20 would be a huge accomplishment. (NP) The whole friends on tour thing got blown way out of proportion. Bouchard said it was difficult to have close friends on tour because then it was tough to play against them. Seems like a reasonable thing to think and many other players, such as Muguruza, have said exactly the same thing, but they don't get condemned for it. I suspect it is more that Genie is "all business" when she is at work. Andreescu said that about when they practice together, there is not a lot of chat. But Bianca went on to say that Genie is "a nice girl" and she enjoyed practicing with her.

  • Andrew Miller · August 12, 2017 at 9:13 am

    But like you said, he’s playing with more hunger. Wouldn’t hurt for him to play some dubs.
    Dubs…my answer to all tennis player problems. If it worked foR Hingis and Johnny McEnroe and Federer it will work for you also.

  • Andrew Miller · August 12, 2017 at 9:14 am

    Andrew Miller writes:

    Scoop that was funny. It's true, if Bouchard sneezes it will be front page!

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