Gael Monfils actually beat Carlos Alcaraz for the first time in their previous clash earlier this year in Cincinnati 46 76 64.
But on the eve of their next duel at Shanghai Rolex Masters, Monfils sounds like a beaten man with zero chance to repeat the win vs. Carlos.
“No, no, I think he will beat me. He will crush me a hundred percent. I think he will crush me. As I said, last time I was lucky, it was not a good match for him. And one of the good matches for me. His level is unbelievable. I have also done great myself. But as I said, he’s coming up legend. So I guess he will crush me. But as I say, I will do everything not to be crushed, too easy in a way. But everything is a bonus, it’s a bonus. It’s not like I come up on the court, of course, with the attitude, because I have the experience, but now I have the experience and I can talk like for real – this kid is something else. So honestly it’s going to be 99 percent chance for him but just to get a percent, that’s why you go, I’m going to enjoy myself. But as a real man, I tell you no, this kid is something else.”
This is the first time I can remember ever hearing any pro player saying he has approximately zero chance to win a match. The bizarre part is Monfils beat Carlos the last time they played, so you’d think he would be quite confident to do it again. For an elite player of Monfils stature to be practically surrendering a match to an opponent he just beat, just does not add up.
Carlos beat Monfils twice before – 2024 Miami and 2022 Indian Wells, both in straight sets.
Monfils defeatist, negative mindset approaching a big match contradicts what his career has achieved. Monfils turned pro in 2004 and has won 12 singles titles and over $22.9 in prize money and 562 singles matches.
Carlos Alcaraz · Gael Monfils · Shanghai Rolex Masters
Scoop Malinowski · October 8, 2024 at 3:04 pm
Fact: Nike signed a 10 year deal with Sinner worth $158m. Think Nike wants him to be suspended for a year?
Steve · October 9, 2024 at 5:56 am
Carlos vs. Monfils is just an ugly match-up. I hope to never see it again.
I believe Sinner’s story and I think it is foolish to ban 2 years automatically for someone else’s mistake.
If there is a positive test, though, there should be no secrects, it should be announced & it should trigger an immediate investigation. Let the player play and if found guilty (not an accident) then suspend.
Scoop Malinowski · October 9, 2024 at 8:28 am
Carlos handles Monf easily 64 75, and Med over Tsip, as expected. I never believed Sinner’s excuse, he tested positive twice in 8 days and the establishment protected him, unlike how they punished Ymer, Cilic, Coria, Korda, Brooksby, Troicki. Sinner’s team put the blame on his two employees and then fired both.
Sam · October 10, 2024 at 3:42 pm
Think Nike wants him to be suspended for a year?
Of course not. For anyone who believes that Sinner is innocent, then I have the Taj Mahal to sell them. 😉
Just curious, Scoop—you said a couple months back that you think Chris Evert was always clean. Well, do you feel the same way about Martina, or is she more of a question mark in your eyes? 🤔
Scoop Malinowski · October 10, 2024 at 9:12 pm
Sam, no, Martina physique and muscles looked too masculine and artificial, definitely a suspect.
Sam · October 12, 2024 at 5:15 am
I think you’re right, Scoop. 😏