French Open: Gael Monfils burns up on Suzanne Lenglen

Gael Monfils has earned four chances in the third round match against David Goffin. In the round of 16, however, after the 6:7, 6:3, 4:6, 7:5 and 6:3 split over two days, the Belgian is the fitter, more solid player.

By Jens Huiber from Paris

Towards the end of the fourth set in Suzanne Lenglen it is clear: Gael Monfils cannot win his third round match against David Goffin. But the Belgian can very well lose it. After just over three hours, Goffin is close and fends off two match points at 4:5. Monfils is already dragging himself across the court more than he is walking.

Goffin, however, has no good memories of this scene: Two years ago he was defeated here in the quarter-finals by Dominic Thiem, in 2017 in the match against Horacio Zeballos he got stuck on a rain cover. Now it’s about the second week in Roland Garros. Goffin is fitter than his opponent, the audience also includes fans of the man who brought Belgium twice to the Davis Cup final.

Monfils takes a third match point and rolls it into the net with his forehand. Once again, the second largest stadium in the complex has a football atmosphere, which in this specific case does not speak against the audience.

Goffin continues to tremble, puts a forehand out, defends Monfils´ fourth match point with a serve to the outside. Compensation.

The audience oscillates between “Scha-la-la-la-la-la, Ga-el Monfils” and “Allez, David” songs, those who take time out in this phase have never loved tennis. “No cheering in the press box”, the requirement to be neutral in the press area, is ignored by some French colleagues. Perhaps there is no corresponding translation.

Monfils gets a warning in the eleventh game for time play, too late. But rightly so. The Frenchman uses this for a skirmish with the chair referee, it does not help anything. Goffin gets the break. And confronts Monfils when changing sides. A rarity, the Belgian is known for his reserved nature.

Henri Leconte has now also come to the du Jour venue, seeing David Goffin take the set out of play with new balls. Goffin plays the decision solidly to the end. Even if Monfils makes another little comeback.