Gael Monfils has been the undisputed best player this week in Washington, D.C., but one giant hurdle–literally–remains in the Frenchman’s way of just his sixth career title. It will be Monfils vs. Ivo Karlovic in Sunday’s championship match.
Gael Monfils and Ivo Karlovic will be squaring off for the fifth time in their careers at the ATP level and for the first time in more than five years when they battle for the Citi Open title on Sunday afternoon.
The head-to-head series is all tied up at two wins apiece, and their only previous hard-court encounter ended just about how anyone would expect: in a final-set tiebreaker. At the 2009 Cincinnati Masters, Karlovic prevailed 6-4, 6-7(5), 7-6(2). They have not collided since a clay-court battle at the 2011 Madrid Masters, where Monfils got the job done 6-3, 7-6(6). Of 10 total sets completed against each other, seven have resulted in tiebreakers.
Surprisingly, Karlovic required no tiebreakers during semifinal action on Saturday. The 6’11” Croat saved all five of the break points he faced while converting two of his five chances to defeat Steve Johnson 6-4, 6-4. At 37 years old, Karlovic is playing some of the best tennis of his life right now. He registers at 35th in the world after winning the Newport title last week and will soon be inside the top 30 regardless of Sunday’s result. Prior to cruising past Johnson, Washington, D.C.’s No. 13 seed ousted Brian Baker, Bernard Tomic, and Jack Sock all in straight sets.
“We all know how he’s playing,” Monfils said of his opponent. “There are no surprise It’s going to be tough. I think I’m going to work on a couple game-plans, but it’s more (about) being ready for some opportunities that I will have and I will try to be focused on every opportunity.”
“I just have to focus on me, because that is my game,” Karlovic explained. “I cannot let [Monfils] dictate [how I play]. I’m gonna try and get as close to the net as I can, as quick as I can.”
Monfils has also been just about flawless this week. The 17th-ranked Frenchman is through to his second Washington, D.C. final following victories over Yen-Hsun Lu, Borna Coric, Sam Querrey (in three sets), and Alexander Zverev. This is only Monfils’ second event since mid-May and he had won just a single match since finishing runner-up to Rafael Nadal at April’s Monte-Carlo Masters prior to his arrival in Washington, D.C.
As good as the second seed has looked this week, he will certainly deal with some obstacles on Sunday–and not just the booming Karlovic serve. A 3:00 p.m. start is in the cards and whereas Karlovic has played most of his matches in the afternoon, Monfils’ four previous outings were all part of evening sessions. Moreover, one of the most infamous statistics on the ATP Tour is Monfils’ futile record in title matches; 5-19 to be exact. Since the start of 2012, the former world No. 7 is 1-8 in finals–with his lone triumph coming two years ago on the indoor hard courts of Montpellier. He has never won a tournament worth more than 250 points.
Needless to say, this is a phenomenal opportunity for Karlovic to capture back-to-back titles from just about out of nowhere.
Pick: Karlovic in 3
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WWW?
It could go either way, I like both guys! leaning towards Ivo, just because of age. What a great win that would be especially after winning last week.
Ivo because Monfils will choke in another ATP Final
Monfils can’t afford to clown around against Ivo since he gives very few break chances. To bad Monfils can’t keep from clowning around
This is risky because Monfils is so bad in finals but this seems like a matchup Monfils would do well in so I’m picking him in three. At first I thought Karlovic in two though which shows how unsure I am lol. This match really could go any which way especially with Monfils involved lol.
But La Monf has been in fantastic form here so I’m picking him to bring a good bit of confidence and play well again to win in three.
Ivo serve game has been spectacular being able to hold 92% of the time on. Monfils has a somewhat similar style of play to Stevey Johnson who is in the best form of his career and IVO 2-0. Once IVO breaks, game, set match.
give me Dr. Ivo winning two titles in a row to extend his streak.
similar to Stevie J????
Monfils time has come.
And I can’t see a comparison with any other player…
Agree (to the second comment)
Great win
stevey johnson and monfils are both extremely athletic and similar styles for IVO to adapt. IVO has played in the afternoon the enitre tourney while monfils has only done it once.. Last post before the match, just remember folks, i said IVO the entire time 🙂
go monfils.
Set #1 goes to IVO as expected..
Thank you IVO for making my funday sunday another cash filled day! This could have been all of you if you took my advice. Wayy to many people on here go with favorites and do not fully understand the meaning of being in great “tennis form.” lol @ all your comments. laugh to the bank.
Thanks IVO $$$$$$
Monfils is in good tennis form too lol. He lost a set on his way to the final and it was against a red hot Querrey.
Give me a break. First of all some people did pick Ivo. Secondly, the match isn’t over. Third, act like you’ve been there before and not an obnoxious jackass.
You were saying??
Goodnight all.
email me at jamminonu88@gmail.com for a full selection of parlay picks for tomorrow. $$$$
That was meant for Jaxxxson, not you Benny G. Don’t know why it posted under yours.
It’s because I responded to him so your comment went under mine because it was also in response to his. No problem lol.
C’mon Ivo!!
I wanted him to win it so badly, he had the match on his racquet at 5-4 in the 2nd, missed a match point at Gael’s serve and now he’s going to lose?
Down a break in the 3rd probably means so.
Very happy for Monfils but I do also feel bad for Ivo. You could tell he was so nervous when closing in on the win. Some very poor volleys under pressure. That miss to end the second set was pretty bad too. Not over yet though. Monfils has to focus hard if he wants to close this out. In fact Ivo just went up 0-30. Now 15-30 after a Monfils ace. 4-3 la monf up a break. Now 30-30. We’ll see if he can close this out or if Ivo can find a way to come back from the break deficit.
That was just great hahahahahaha
Well, well. I was right for a change! And I believe that’s Monfils’ first title at the 500 level? Grats to him.
What a final!!! Just watched on catch up and for once resisted the temptation to check the outcome so experienced all the tension of this roller-coaster match. Chapeau to Le Monf – so happy for him. Hope this marks the start of a new phase in his career.
Wow’ Monfils won? I have to check for a replay of the match. I haven’t been following tennis that closely right now.
I am so happy for Monfils!
Well done!
absurd. He was SO HAPPY.
Good. If he was happier winning than in showboating or clowning around, he may yet decide to be a serious contender. He is really talented and as an athlete he is unbelievable. I saw a video of him flying, is it a plane, is it a bird, no it is La Monf!