Yesterday has been a very entertaining day at the BNP Paribas Masters final in Paris.
In the first semifinal, Frenchman Gael Monfils beat the Swiss Roger Federer in 3 sets 7-6 (7) 6-7(1) 7-6 (4).
It was clear from the very beginning that this match would have not been a walk in the park for the Nr.1 seed that had huge problems to hold his serve in the opening game.
Monfils displayed a remarkable form from the outset with powerful shots from the baseline along with a remarkable physical condition.
The Frenchman managed to get back to from a 1-4 deficit in 3rd sets. He than saved 5 match points on his serve on the 5-6.
“I’m happy I won against Rog. He’s someone I admire a lot. He’s a legend of tennis, ‘the’ legend, and beating him is a beautiful victory. I will remember that for my whole life†said Monfils. “And also it happened in very special conditions for me, in Paris, so it’s only happiness’
“I was thinking it was a very good experience. This is why you practice all the time. It’s to experience those special moments. The crowd was great. They were behind me. Well, you need to dare try something, and I was lucky because I was successful. On those match points I was trying to control myself, otherwise it would have been too difficultâ€.
Despite the defeat, Federer showed optimism
‘I feel good. I’m playing well. It was not a bad match today. I’m happy with my performance. Clearly with a victory today I would have had big chances of winning this tournament tomorrow. This is not the case, so now I have to look at the future. I’m going to prepare for London’.
‘I feel good physically. In a way it is a relief that I was able to finish the tournament in good physical health. I’m fresh mentally, too. This is the most important thing. I’m going to back to Switzerland quickly and I’m going to prepare for London, because London is the great final of the year. I think I have good chances maybe in London for winning’
In the final, Monfils is going to take on Sweden Robin Soderling that had another thrilling win against the surprising Frenchman Michael Lodra in 3 sets 6-7 (0) 7-5 7-6 (6).
Soderling showed once again his cold blood when he saved 3 match points against an inspired Llodra that was lifted by an excited crowd.
According to Monfils : “The toughest thing for tomorrow is that I want that victory. I know it’s not going to be easy, because Robin really killed me last week. I think I’m going to step into the court and put pressure on him as much as I can. I’m at home. I want that victory. It’s going to be interesting, let’s sayâ€
