Wednesday 4th September 2019, at the end of an unbearable fifth set, the last Frenchman in the running at the US Open has succumbed to the Italian quarter-final.
Despite a relentless resistance, Gael Monfils succumbed under the blows of the colossal Matteo Berrettini, Wednesday 4th September 2019. quarterfinals of the US Open.
“It was hard, I fought as much as I could, but I had too many problems in the service,” commented the one who was the last Frenchman in contention at Flushing Meadows. He made 17 double-fouls throughout the match, losing 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (7/5).
Underdog Matteo Berrettini chips one over the net on his way to winning the tiebreaker and match against Gaël Monfils in today’s AI Highlight of the Day, insights by @IBM Watson. pic.twitter.com/iRrfrpVv58
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) 4 September 2019
Voltage
“I know how to bounce back, I’ve already had some rough times like this here,” he added, assuring him that he was going to “draw the positive from these two weeks” in New York.
For even beaten, he was at his best at Flushing Meadows, especially on the physical after a season where injuries have forced him to many drops or packages.
Package before his quarter-final at the Masters 1000 Indian Wells, before the semifinals at the Masters 1000 Montreal, then the first round at Wimbledon, and even before the tournament in Miami, Monte Carlo and Washington. But he was in great shape at Flushing Meadows and Berrettini testified.
“What a fight! “The Italian launched at the end of 3:57 minutes of wrestling and a fifth set absolutely unbearable tension.
5 sets.
4 hours.💯 Respect.#USOpen pic.twitter.com/mcViUbGaKM
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) 4 September 2019
Amnesia
“I do not remember any point … only the match ball. And double-mistakes, I have done too much, “he added, referring in particular to the one that ruined a match point while he led 5-3 in the last set.
Gael Monfils, 33, has also done his service late in the wake and saved two more match points to 6-5, including one he had offered on a double fault.
“When I played, I thought it was the best game I saw, even though I was playing it! Said Berrettini, who will be the second Italian to play a Grand Slam semifinal after Corrado Barazzutti in 1977 at the US Open.
HOW? Just, how? 🤯@Gael_Monfils | #USOpen pic.twitter.com/ZpKeqk7GLc
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) 4 September 2019
“I was lucky that he (Gaël) does not have a match point,” said the Italian who concluded on his 5th match point.
In the next round, Matteo Berrettini will play his first half Grand Slam against Rafael Nadal (2nd) or Diego Schwartzman (21st), who clashed at the close of the program of the 10th day.
