Showman Monfils in entertaining exit
French star Gael Monfils is out of the men’s ASB Classic — and who knows when he will be back?
The former world No 6 brought some magical touches but not quite enough as he was edged 4-6, 7-6 (6), 6-7 (4) by rising Hungarian talent Fabian Marozsan last night.
It was an unbelievable first-round match and might not be topped this week, stretching two hours 35 minutes.
The difference was Marozsan’s remarkable defensive ability, as he kept forcing Monfils to play another shot.
After saving two match points in the second set tiebreak, Monfils looked on course, grabbing a crucial break late in the third set.
But he couldn’t serve it out as Marozsan broke back at 4-5 before the 37-year-old seemed to run out of energy in the subsequent tiebreaker.
It was a shame for the tournament, as Monfils is the ultimate entertainer, but the world No 64 deserved his victory.
“It was a good match; first one of the season, you want a better result, but to play that level was good. Fabian was better than me and I need to give him credit,” said Monfils.
“He was moving extremely well, big reach and very smart as well because his counter was tough to read. Even when I thought he was unbalanced, he could still hit powerful shots.”
It was Monfils’ first appearance in Auckland since 2013, when he captivated the local crowd on his way to the semifinals. He was meant to come back on three other occasions before being forced to withdraw.
Asked if he would like to return, Monfils hedged his bets.
“I don’t know, to be honest. I love Auckland but the thing is I like to play the first week of the year. Normally I never really play this second week.
I had a good experience this year, so I might think about it, because it is way different. Obviously [wife] Elina [Svitolina] will come back, I hope, so I might give it a go next year.”
If this was his last bow, it will be remembered. All his magic was on display, from the sliding retrievals, impossibly flat forehands, drop volleys and brilliant anticipation. He also produced the occasional trick shot and found some wicked angles with his serve.
He banged down 16 aces — and forced eight break opportunities — but could take only one. A turning point came with a missed smash at 3-3, 40-0 in the first set, as Monfils didn’t recover and Marozsan grabbed the crucial break, then the set.
Marozsan had his career breakthrough last year, graduating from the Challenger tour. He enjoyed a spectacular ATP main draw debut, upsetting then world No 2 Carlos Alcaraz in Rome, eventually making the fourth round from qualifying. He has risen more than 300 places the past two seasons.
The 24-year-old produced a nerveless performance, rarely faltering. The tightness of the match was reflected in the stats, with Marozsan claiming 122 points and Monfils 120.
Despite the premature exit, Monfils has enjoyed his fortnight here with wife Elina and their daughter Skai, as well as the crowd reception.
“Unfortunately for me was a little bit too soon but we had a great time.”
Monfils will reset for Melbourne, as he hopes for a new chapter in the twilight of his career.
“I had a strong finish to last year and I have some big goals; the first is to play tough tennis. When I play tough tennis is when I enjoy myself.
“I don’t have much time to play any more. When I have the chance to step on the court and be healthy, my No 1 priority is to enjoy myself and try to play tough.”