ON COURT TODAY Women’s Singles Final: No. 2 Angelique Kerber vs.
Advertisement
Reaching the Quarterfinals of the US Open after defeating Rafael Nadal is surely a special thing but for Frenchman Lucas Pouille, it’s just the start of his journey.
So freaky was Monfils’ behavior – at one point he stood halfway between the baseline and service line to receive Djokovic’s first serve – that many in the crowd began to boo him. But according to the Serb, his ambition entering this tournament was more modest.
“The first question is like you’re not competing”, Monfils said.
“I’m happy, it was an awesome atmosphere and to tell myself I’m going to be in the final is something insane”. No. 2-seeded Kerber said after beating Caroline Wozniacki 6-4, 6-3 in the semifinals, while 10th-seeded Pliskova upset Serena Williams 6-2, 7-6 (5).
Monfils has thrilled crowds all over the world with his flair, athleticism and wonderful array of shot-making but the Frenchman’s bolshie performance here left a sour taste in the mouth. A sweat-soaked Djokovic sought help from a trainer for aches in both shoulders, and what was no contest suddenly became one.
Wawrinka carried momentum into the fourth set and broke Nishikori at love in the second game.
“I could have expected it in a way”, Djokovic said of the odd match, without a trace of anger.
In the fourth, both men tried to buy time between points on a steamy day with the temperature reaching 90 degrees and humidity topping 50 per cent. The Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd jeered him.
“I’m very sad to learn that such a legend criticised me”, said Monfils. That was my flair, and I hit the shot.
“That’s really disappointing, especially second set”, Nishikori said. “I can push him a little bit to defend also myself, (to get more) more confidence, and put him out his balance”. He stood flat-footed and seemingly disinterested to receive serve, then looped back short moon balls, daring Djokovic to attack. Indeed, he had played only nine full sets before facing Monfils, who at times during the first two sets seemed to be impersonating a walkover all by himself.
“I’m really excited, I’m really happy”, Wawrinka said. “But I guess that was part of his tactics. I think he felt like he needs to step it up and start to play better, which he did”.
By the end of the second set, Djokovic looked certain to make it 13 consecutive wins over Monfils.
Djokovic, 29, will be seeking his 13th career Grand Slam title and third of 2016, having already won the Australian and French Open crowns.
The world No 1 had enjoyed an easy passage to the last four with three of his first five opponents withdrawing. And then he comes to the net and I pass him.
Advertisement
He lost five games in a row and 20 of 24 points in one stretch, and came up limping after the set’s final point. Those boos intensified when he missed a forehand early in the third set and got even louder when he hit a double fault to drop serve. All over but the shouting, right?
