Defending champion Novak Djokovic will face Stan Wawrinka in the final of the US Open on Sunday after overcoming Gaels Monfils 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-2.
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Djokovic beat Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 after one of the oddest Grand Slam semi-finals of recent years as his French opponent was booed for an apparent lack of effort in the first two sets before making a match of it with a spectacular recovery.
On paper, that should translate into a comfortable afternoon on Arthur Ashe Stadium for Djokovic, playing in his 21st major final and seeking a third Grand Slam title of 2016 and 13th of his career.
Monfils robustly rejected the notion that he did not give his all, saying: “I think I tried my best”.
In a freaky match played in stifling conditions in New York, Djokovic eventually came through by a 6-3 6-2 3-6 6-2 scoreline despite undergoing treatment on both shoulders throughout the encounter. He has needed treatment on his right arm during matches and in his semi-final twice sent for the trainer to massage his shoulders.
Certainly the 30-year-old Parisian’s approach grates on tennis traditionalists including grand slam victor and commentator John McEnroe, who labelled Monfils’ performance as unprofessional. It’s tough. And I try my best.
“That’s a little bit tough because for sure people aren’t ready to see that”.
But Monfils claims his “slowball” tactics were to confuse Djokovic, who had raced into a 5-0 lead in the first set. “I think that’s all we were thinking about and feeling”.
He appeared to be suffering for his four-hour quarter-final win over Andy Murray but he recovered from 4-1 down in the third. “When you play Novak, the number one player, in the final of a grand slam, it’s the biggest challenge you can have”.
The crowd were unimpressed enough to boo early in the third set while ESPN commentator and seven-time major champion John McEnroe said: “You can’t support that, I’m sorry”. “And in Grand Slams is where I want to play my best tennis”.
“I won’t win a match like that but I can win maybe 15 minutes, maybe two more games, one more game”.
“Definitely I try to get in his head, try to create something new for him”, explained Monfils.
The French star came under fire when he trailed 5-0 in the first set and began loosely patting balls back into play as if disinterested.
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“I’m happy, it was an wonderful atmosphere and to tell myself I’m going to be in the final is something insane”.
