A surprising U.S. Open semifinal spot will be at stake when Gael Monfils and Matteo Berrittini go head-to-head for the first time in their careers on Wednesday afternoon.
Based on Monfils’ draw, past Grand Slam history, and never-in-doubt talent, a semifinal berth would not come as a complete shock for the Frenchman. In a section of the bracket vacated right away by Dominic Thiem, Monfils has defeated Albert Ramos-Vinolas, Marius Copil, Denis Shapovalov, and Pablo Andujar. The world No. 13 survived a five-set thriller against Shapovalov, but he otherwise cruised past the other three opponents–especially Copil (6-3, 6-2, 6-2) and Andujar (6-1, 6-2, 6-2). Thus continues a decent summer for Monfils, who made a run to the Cincinnati semis (withdrew prior to facing Rafael Nadal).
“I play great tennis here; very great tennis,” said Monfils, who advanced to the final four in 2016 and also did the same at the 2008 French Open. (I) always say that I love the atmosphere. I love the energy. The energy is very important. Every stadium I go, definitely those stadiums here in New York are [some] of the best for my game and for my personality. I feel very comfortable, so I think that why I play always great tennis here.”
Monfils and Berrettini have taken turns producing hot streaks this summer. The 25th-ranked Italian’s surge came on grass, where he captured his third career ATP title in Stuttgart, reached the Halle semifinals, and made it to the second week at Wimbledon (got blown out by Roger Federer in the fourth round). An ankle injury limited Berrettini to only one hard-court match prior to the U.S. Open, and he lost it in straight sets to Juan Ignacio Londero in Cincinnati. Suddenly, though, the 23-year-old is back on track with defeats of Richard Gasquet, Jordan Thompson, Alexei Popyrin, and Andrey Rublev.
“For sure I’m really happy,” Berrettini commented. “I’m really proud of myself (and) my team. I was coming from an injury, so (I) didn’t expect to be [in the quarterfinals] here; kind of unexpected, but really, really happy.”
A tougher test awaits the underdog, who is a big hitter but perhaps not big enough to penetrate Monfils’ defense and athleticism. Expect Monfils to be both too fast and too experienced for Berrettini.
Pick: Monfils in 4
[polldaddy poll=10399722]
WWW?
Monfils in four
Monfils in four or five
Predicting this is a toss-up. Monfils is full of unpleasant surprises, he is always prone to getting injured or just losing it. Anything can happen.
Christian, based on what i’m seeing right now, u may be on to something there, lol!
Medvedev to win
Berretinni to win a set
$5000 @ 2.00
This is fifth set TB is agony for a Gael fan. Sick drop shot from Berrettini makes it a fifth matchpoint the 23 y/o Italian. And he looks happy – wiping happy sweat and tears off. He’s very cute and loveable, this Italian. Hits the ball hard, serves well, and can time a drop shot well – most of all he has youthful energy.
Commiserations to Gael and Elina. 💔
Monfils ran out of gas, poor thing but he was very disciplined in this match! Wish him all the best for rest of season!
Looks like we were all wrong about Monfils v Berrettini. 🙁 Hope we’re all right about Rafa v Schwartzman!!!
So glad Berrettini won! Monfils had zero chance against Nadal (assuming he gets to SF); none. Dude is one of the mentally weakest players on tour and Nadal is the worst match-up for him.
Berrettini, on the other hand, is a real wild-card. What a game, too. Almost as pretty as his face. My hope is for a Matteo-Medvedev final. Two 23 year olds in a USO final would be just what tennis needs.
Speaking of Rafa-Schwartzman, I honestly don’t know how anyone ever roots against Diego. I can’t even bring myself to do so when he plays Fed. I just kind of assume Roger will win without actively wanting Diego to lose. I’ll be happy if he can even take a set off of Rafa, but I’m not counting on it.