FRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images via Daylife
Better late than never! Novak Djokovic beat Gael Monfils, 6-2, 5-7, 7-6(3), in the Bercy final on Sunday, claiming his first (and last) Masters 1000 title of the year – in five attempts and on four surfaces. This is also Nole’s second trophy in as many weeks, following a nervy win over Roger Federer in the Basel finals last Sunday. He scored another major victory in this week’s semis, taking his rival and World No. 2, Rafael Nadal, out to the woodshed for a 6-2, 6-3 beat down.
Think Nole’s feeling up to defending his title at the upcoming World Tour Finals?
Loading ...Here are highlights from Sunday’s final in Bercy:
And Djokovic’s post-match interview, where he declares himself “deeeelighted” with the win:
The match entertained me for two reasons:
1. Monfils’ hometown crowd refused to let him fold, encouraging him with chants and bongo drums even when he was being embarrassed in the first set and a half. This is the upside to the notorious French crowd.
2. Both guys know how to express themselves:
JACQUES DEMARTHON/AFP/Getty Images via Daylife
FRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images via Daylife
After the match, I found myself happy for Djokovic and completely confused by Monfils. Is he a pusher with a big serve? A comet-quick shot maker or a defensive one-trick pony? A headcasey choker? A world-class ham? Jumping bean or Gumby? Maybe he’s still figuring it out, himself.
Identity crisis or no, Monfils does see himself as a Top 10 player:
“This end of season gives me really the desire to work hard so that next year maybe I will have a full season. I’m thinking if I was able to play all the year round, all the tournaments, how good it would be. Without doing that, I’m already Top 13. I don’t want to over-estimate myself, but if I had played a full year this year I would have been among the Top 10. I’m almost sure of that. I’m sure next year I will be able to get back within the Top 10.“
It’s time to get to work, Gael! Don’t be fooled by the “off” in off-season.
Tags: ATP, Djokovic, Monfils, Paris Masters Bercy, tennis, Video of the Day, World Tour Finals
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Gael was as good (for the 2nd half of the match) so even better at several stages. Quel domage! Love the crowd and the ambience.
Somebody (whoever in London) has to bring Nole to the ground asap! Oh, please let it be my cute, timide JMdP (although I know Fedfan can hardly like him bcoz of USO but he should rank higher than Nole right?).
i’d have to say i’d root for del po over nole and murray, pretty much any time. he is a big softie and seems to have great respect for his fellow players. i also love his blistering groundstrokes, except when he’s playing fed.
let’s hope jmdp is healthy going into london. you don’t ever want to see injuries or retirements, especially at this prestigious tournament. of course, whoever is strong enough and is the last man standing deserves it! go fed!
Don’t fool yourself, Novak is tha man right now! I’m so happy for him. Now go and win London too Nole!
Nole looked pretty awesome this week, especially against Rafa. He faltered in that second set yesterday, though. I almost turned off the match, not wanting to see Monfils get clobbered.
I felt so sorry for Gael at the beginning. He looked like a deer in the headlights during that first set. I’m glad he made a match of it!
i have to admit, i’m not a big fan of these two (sometimes their egos/attitudes and antics annoy me a bit, but their games and abilities are obviously impressive) but i was compelled to watch because you didn’t know what was going to happen! i was glad they went the distance and that gael showed some resilience and maturity, even in defeat. i was also hoping for gael to tire novak out so he has less in the tank going into london.
after all, he recently beat fed and nadal and will be arriving at WTF with a huge amount of confidence. i want a fed v nadal showdown in london! i’d prefer that nole or murray mints not spoil the party!
I’m not a fan of Nole (not bcoz of “the King is Dead” LOL) or Gael bcoz of ‘look-at-me’ style.
In saying so, ‘look-at-me’ Gael style captured me and glued me to TV last nite. He’s real showman – so natural, good at timing (not too much or forced). I have to keep an eye on him now.
Djokovic has all the momentum going into London and he’s the heavy favorite. The other guys are big question marks.
The expressive pictures from both players says it all really about passion of each point. Now, I love Federer as much as any other of his fans, but, if I could make one small adjustment to him, it would be for him to be a little bit more expressive on court, especially after hitting killer winner shots!! Monfils is over the top, but maybe more like Djokovic’s expressions.
I’ll have to respectfully disagree with Jess. I found Gael’s antics during the final absolutely obnoxious. That being said, i’m glad he raised his game and made an awesome match of the final. Glad Nole won, looks like he’s really been working hard on his upper body, which should serve him well in the future.
I hope Gael works on the mental/tactical part of his game in the off season, because he can still be guilty of coming up with awful shot selections at the worst moments of a game.
It also stuck me a bit funny to see Rafa having so much energy at this time of year, but not the confidence or sense of rythm that he usually possesses.
Have to admit I have a soft spot for the French Musketeers – or whoever Gillou approves of. *blush* very fangirl-ish.