By Christopher Lancette
Two points illustrated the difference in Gael Monfils’ 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (8-6) victory over John Isner in a semifinal match ending at 1:15 a.m. Sunday morning because of numerous rain delays – setting up a Legg Mason Tennis Classic championship date with Radek Stepanek on Sunday at 3 p.m.
The first was a flashy one – the kind of Monfils play that Janko Tipsarevic’s coach warned him about in his contest with the lightening quick Frenchman. Down 4-5 in the third set and serving at deuce, Isner ran Monfils from wing to wing and hit what would have been winning shots against most players on the tour. Isner closed in behind Monfils’ last shot and put himself in position for what should have been an easy volley winner. Isner, however, looked up to see where his opponent was – taking his eye off the ball just long enough to cause him to frame the volley attempt. Point Monfils.
Two points earlier, in a play that won’t make the highlights, Isner attempted to hit a drop shot. Monfils’ eyes grew wide, though, the instant he saw Isner drop his elbow – the “tell” that a drop shot is coming. He sprinted forward, pounced on the ball and easily smacked a backhand crosscourt winner.
Though Isner ultimately came back and held serve on that game, Monfils’ strategy of using his speed to always make his opponent hit another shot proved to be an investment that paid off as the hour grew later. He wore Isner down, which also forced Isner to work harder during his service games and to take bigger risks on just enough of his own shots to make a few critical errors.
“[Monfils’ reaction time] puts a lot of pressure on you and makes the court smaller,” Isner said. “A lot of times that forces you to go for the lines because you feel like it’s the only place you can put the ball past him.”
Monfils also fended off Isner’s powerful serve with tremendous returns, getting rallies started on returns and creating opportunities to win points. He put Isner in 0-30 and 0-15 hole repeatedly. All the extra sweat drained Isner just enough to leave Monfils fresher and more accurate in the third set tiebreaker. Up 7-6 but facing Isner’s serve, Monfils returned a boomer, stayed in the point, and won the match when an Isner forehand hit the net.
After the match, Monfils characterized his ability to read his opponents’ shots and react as a “gift” that he’s blessed to possess. He also said he could have played a few points a bit smarter.
“I played two fancy shots I could have been more aggressive on or more taking care of my business,” he said.
Then he raced out of the press room to stretch, wind down and try to catch some winks before the Sunday final.
Photos by credit © Won-ok Kim
