But the entertaining Monfils has been playing the best tennis of his career lately, winning all 15 sets he’s played at Flushing Meadows during this tournament. That says a lot about the level he’s at.
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Djokovic has now set up a clash against Frenchman Gael Monfils, who reached the last four following a 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 win over compatriot Lucas Pouille.
Djokovic, meanwhile, is seeking his 13th major championship, which would break a tie with Roy Emerson for fourth-most in tennis history among men, behind only Roger Federer with 17, and Pete Sampras and Rafael Nadal with 14 apiece.
Moving on… It’s Monfils-Djokovic Thursday and it’s Novak who leads 12-0!
“I still believe and feel like I’m one of the top players and grinding my way back, so that’s why I’m saying for me right now the ranking is just a number”. “He’s very charismatic, plays with a smile, enjoys tennis, enjoys life”.
All indications point toward a Djokovic victory in the semifinals.
Saving energy is just what the doctor ordered for Djokovic, since the Serb entered the event with a left wrist injury and has been treated for a right arm issue a few times since the year’s final grand slam began.
Djokovic, 29, has completed just two of five matches in NY, benefiting from a walkover and two retirements. Practicing with hitting partners only does so much, there is no substitute for playing matches in the big stadiums in front of expectant crowds.
He showed his consistency in the hardcourt build-up to the US Open with a title in Washington and semi-final appearance at Toronto in July. “It’s something I had already in the past, so I know exactly what’s happening”, he said.
Tenth seed Monfils was his dynamic self and invincible from the service line in a commanding win over 22-year-old Pouille, who was coming off three successive five-set wins including a fourth-round upset of 14-times grand slam victor Rafa Nadal. But I managed to overcome them and those extra three or four days really served me well.
Nevertheless, he knows how hard a task he faces against Djokovic.
“I’m in the semifinals, so that’s what matters for me the most”, Djokovic told reporters.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “It’s a court I love”.
With Andy Murray on a plane back to Scotland following defeat, Djokovic is now strong favourite to win his third title in NY, particularly as he boasts a flawless record against Monfils. Still, her varied game, filled with slices and drop shots and net rushes, gave Kerber fits for most of the first set.
Monfils later said he was inspired by and respected the work ethic and example of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James. “He’s super-confident for years”.
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“At this stage of the tournament and season, I think one of the most important things for a player is this freshness of the mind and of the body”.
