2016 Washington SF - [2] Gael Monfils vs. [7] Alexander Zverev

[The Green Mile]

Monfils leads the H2H 2-0, with their latest meeting played at Rotterdam earlier this year.
Zverev defeated a crappy Paire in his QF with no trouble at all, and Monfils came through in 3 sets against Querrey Destroyer of Worlds.
Good luck to both.

 

[VamosBamos987]

Monfils in two. Zverev won't be able to beat the very consistent Monf.

 

[The Green Mile]

I haven't see any of Monfils this week, but have heard he has looked very focused and playing well. Wouldn't mind either in the Final. Zverev to win his 1st title, or Gael to win it and to somewhat improve his abysmal record in title matches.

 

[Meles]

I haven't see any of Monfils this week, but have heard he has looked very focused and playing well. Wouldn't mind either in the Final. Zverev to win his 1st title, or Gael to win it and to somewhat improve his abysmal record in title matches.

This is a great match. I'd favor Zverev slightly even though Monfils looks to be rounding into the best form of his career (great hard court stats and Monte Carlo this year.) Zverev had a horrible first return on hard courts in early 2016; 26% of first serve points won. On grass the mighty Z was 32%. Its a bit easier to return on hard courts, and with that Zverev may be ready to explode up near the top ten. Youngest player in the top 30 since Nadal ready to roll.

 

[gn]

Gurufils will sweep entire NA Summer events.

 

[nowhereman]

Gurufils will sweep entire NA Summer events.

If he does, it will be by far the greatest lesson he's ever taught.

 

[gn]

If he does, it will be by far the greatest lesson he's ever taught.

Afterall, he is the master of RAFA. Remember NA summer 2013?

 

[skyline]

I think Monfils will take it & the title. He's been looking great and serving like a boss.

 

[The Green Mile]

They are warming up. Zverev close to breaking the top 20. Nice. Steady progress.

 

[3fees]

I'm back in time to watch this one...

Cheers
3fees

 

[mule250]

La Monf in 3!

 

[The Green Mile]

A couple of shaky forehands and Monfils has 2 BPs.

 

[The Green Mile]

Gael breaks in the 1st game of the match. Drives the backhand right at Zverev at the net. That's a good sign for Monfils, lol...

 

[The Green Mile]

Alex on the board. Every so often, Alex really goes for his 2nd serve. More so than most players. Monfils serving at 2-1.

 

[The Green Mile]

2 BPs to Alex. Lack of 1st serves here from Gael.

 

[The Green Mile]

Excellent response. Nice angled forehand forcing the error from Zverev to get to deuce, and back to back aces to hold for 3-1.

 

[The Green Mile]

Huge backhand from Zverev. When he decides to flatten it out, he really goes for it. Good game for 2-3.

 

[The Green Mile]

No! Possible rain delay here...

 

[The Green Mile]

Monfils and Zverev chatting away lol. I've heard Gael is one of the friendliest guys on tour, and one of the funniest.

Play has been suspended for now.

 

[Meles]

This is an outrageously good match. I shake my head at all the Federer and Nadal fans who don't watch these great matches. Time to move on. Monfils is extremely dangerous. Both are leading in return games won at the Citi. Zverev looks ready to explode against Monfils best hard court tennis of his career. Awesome, awesome match.

 

[3fees]

Monfils up a break and serving 30-15 1st set 3-2,,,Rain delay

Cheers
3fees

 

[The Green Mile]

Play resumed.

 

[3fees]

This is an outrageously good match. I shake my head at all the Federer and Nadal fans who don't watch these great matches. Time to move on. Monfils is extremely dangerous. Both are leading in return games won at the Citi. Zverev looks ready to explode against Monfils best hard court tennis of his career. Awesome, awesome match.

No matter what player a person favors, watching good tennis is a benefit.

Cheers
3Fees

 

[The Green Mile]

Gael quickly holds for 4-2. No nonsense between points from Gael.

 

[3fees]

Indeed Monfils v Zverev 4-2

Cheers
3Fees

 

[The Green Mile]

I would really like to see Zverev move in a bit more. So many opportunities to come forward in this match, with Gael's court positioning. You can see Zverev think about at times, but ultimately deciding to stay back.

Zverev holds for 3-4, though.

 

[The Green Mile]

Great serving from Alex and he holds. Monfils hasn't been troubled on serve at all this set. Serving at 5-4.

 

[The Green Mile]

Zverev with a 1st serve return winner. Deuce.

 

[The Green Mile]

Too many cheap errors from Zverev. Especially on points that really matter. Monfils holds for 6/4. The serve being the biggest difference between them though.

 

[3fees]

Monfils v Zverev 6-4 1st set Monfils

Cheers
3Fees

 

[The Green Mile]

First showboat point of the match from Gael. Brilliant to watch.

 

[RSH]

Ridiculous point.

 

[3fees]

The Human Highlight Monfils

Cheers
3Fees

 

[The Green Mile]

Monfils breaks in the 1st game yet again. Playing percentage tennis, and outlasting Zverev in the rallies. 1-0, 2nd set.

 

[3fees]

Monfils breaks same as 1st set

Cheers
3fees

 

[Meles]

Zverev has to break to stay in this match. It was a given Monfils would break. Zverev must answer.

 

[The Green Mile]

Monfils looks more relaxed now. Probably see him change it up a bit in this set.

 

[The Green Mile]

Zverev takes a tumble, but seems to be alright. Big serve and Gael holds for 2-0.

 

[3fees]

Break and Hold by Monfils

Cheers
3Fees

 

[The Green Mile]

Monfils playing with a lot of variety right now. Zverev looking more and more frustrated. Poor drop shot from him, and Gael has 2 BPs.

 

[The Green Mile]

Too good from Gael. Double break for 3-0, 2nd set.

 

[3fees]

Monfils in control double break lead

Cheers
3Fees

 

[The Green Mile]

Zverev not serving well, and forehand not holding up in rallies doesn't help his case at all either. Gael grinding him down lol...

 

[The Green Mile]

Serve has come to the rescue when in slight trouble. Excellent game for 4-0. A couple of aces included.

 

[The Green Mile]

Love 30 here. Bagel 2nd set?

 

[3fees]

Monfils v Zverev 5-0, Zverev melted down.

Cheers
3fees

 

[Meles]

Zverev serving 44% on first serves for match and no where near the velocity of Monfils. Bagel incoming.

 

[The Green Mile]

Clinical serving yet again, and he holds for the match. 6/4 6/0. Impressive performance.

 

[3fees]

Monfils too good, Good showing from Zverev,,he needs to get more seasoned..

Cheers
3Fees

 

[3fees]

Congrats to Monfils blnt Zverev 64 60 a doughnut.

Cheers
3Fees