Monfils first round win

[jschere1]

I have been following Monfils career since he became a pro and I was pleasantly surprised to see him not give up on his first round match at the AO. Earlier in his career that would not have been the case. It must have been so hard to bounce back from losing a really close first set, but to do it from 2 down was very impressive. De Bakker is no slouch either, very tough match up for a first round opponent considering Monf is the 12th seed.

The turning point of this match, came in the third set. I think Monf was down 2-5, when he chased down a drop. He was just able to chip it back when De Bakker drilled the return at him. After that play I think he really emotionally felt obligated to take this guy out.

While this wasn't his most impressive performance, nor was it his biggest match this is one that could inspire him to bigger things in his career. My memory brings me back to Andy Murray's come from behind emotional victory at Wimbledon that seemed to propel his career to new heights. I guess we will have to wait and see, but this guy sure does have the athletic talent, he just needs a little more confidence and will power.

[Underhand]

Cool story, bro

[meg0529]

Originally Posted by jschere1

I have been following Monfils career since he became a pro and I was pleasantly surprised to see him not give up on his first round match at the AO. Earlier in his career that would not have been the case. It must have been so hard to bounce back from losing a really close first set, but to do it from 2 down was very impressive. De Bakker is no slouch either, very tough match up for a first round opponent considering Monf is the 12th seed.

The turning point of this match, came in the third set. I think Monf was down 2-5, when he chased down a drop. He was just able to chip it back when De Bakker drilled the return at him. After that play I think he really emotionally felt obligated to take this guy out.

While this wasn't his most impressive performance, nor was it his biggest match this is one that could inspire him to bigger things in his career. My memory brings me back to Andy Murray's come from behind emotional victory at Wimbledon that seemed to propel his career to new heights. I guess we will have to wait and see, but this guy sure does have the athletic talent, he just needs a little more confidence and will power.

I really like him, but I have to admit Monfils was purely lucky to win this thing. After some seriously clowning he threw away the first set, he was playing below par in the 3rd, until DeB completely choked, after that he went downhill, and THEN Gael came back and finished up a man that had given up. He started off well, but he's going to have to do a LOT better. I completely agree with your last sentence.

[nadalfan4life]

go lamonf to the final

[Jonny S&V]

Originally Posted by Underhand

Cool story, bro

I'd also add, Monfils didn't have to do much to come back at all.

[jester911]

Nothing against Monfils but this match was so much more about de Bakker choking than Monfils coming back. de Bakker handed it to him on a silver platter.

[P_Agony]

Credit to Monfils for staying as long as he can, but DB completely gave that match away.

[jschere1]

Sure. I guess my point being that he wasn't the one to give up this time. In the matches earlier in his career he was the one to completely check out and lay down.

[Fate Archer]

I agree with the Op that this could be one of the most important matches Monfils has played so far, and it was a great comeback, irregardless of how bad Thiemo played to lose in the end.

There were some points which felt like only Thiemo was playing, he was so out of focus, that he would go for bombs and hit either a winner or a needless unforced error. It was very unpredictable how things would end, so credits to la Monf, it's not easy at all playing in those conditions, having to control your mental focus and dealing with such unpredictable ball bashing.

[aceX]

Monfils will now win 10 grand slams in a row and the WTFs

[gully]

DeBakker had some seriously grumpy body language when he blew his set point(s?) in the third. Monfils had to take some inspiration from that -- any player would be smart enough to, you'd think.

[bluetrain4]

Originally Posted by jester911

Nothing against Monfils but this match was so much more about de Bakker choking than Monfils coming back. de Bakker handed it to him on a silver platter.

I'm a Monfils fan and I'd agree with that. Monfils actually played fantastic when he was down 2-4 with De Bakker serving. Played a lot of great shots and earned a lot of break points. But, he didn't win that game.

Then, he held serve, and though he played a few good shots when De Bakker was serving at 5-4, De Bakker made a couple of true choke shots. And, again, Monfils did play some good points when De Bakker was serving at 5-6, De Bakker played some really horrible shots.

After the choke, De Bakker basically completely melted down.

So, Monfils was sort of gifted a win. Now, given his talents, it's really up to him to run with it, play more focused engaged tennis and build on that gift.

[aceX]

[Carolina Racquet]

I've always been amazed that a guy built like Monfils doesn't control or dictate the points. SHOULD be able to serve much bigger. SHOULD hit a bigger ball off the ground.

With his wheels he could be awesome, but he plays too much like a pusher at times.

I thought he was throwing in the towel late in the 3rd set. Kudos to him for hanging in there and watch De Bakker slowly die a miserable death out there.

[martin]

De Bakker got injured and that's why he lost the match. He didn't choke.

[martin]

A groin injury, He couldn't move after it happened and then there's not much chance against Monfils.