By Chris Oddo | Sunday May 31, 2015

 

Roger Federer and Gael Monfils split two sets before calling their round of 16 tussle due to darkness in Paris.

Photo: Francois Mori/AP

The long, excruciating wait for Roger Federer and Gael Monfils to begin their heavily anticipated round of 16 clash at Roland Garros was over—for a while.

Now it’s on again.

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Federer and Monfils split a pair of sets before darkness intervened on Sunday, then headed to the showers with the prospect of a best-of-three hanging in the air like the rain clouds that soon dumped torrential showers on the grounds.

Federer won the first, 6-3, before Monfils took the second, 6-4.

It wasn’t satisfying, but it was scintillating. Federer jumped out to the quick lead with some strong serving and decisive play. He was quick to the punch, and played with pace, but Monfils would answer back quickly in the second set, jumping out to a 3-0 lead before Federer notched a crucial break while the Frenchman served for the set.

No matter, Monfils would break back to claim the set in the next game before the pair met at the net for a brief discussion, then exchanged a handshake and a few smiles before departing in the fading light.

On a chilly day and early evening in Paris, so chilly that Monfils asked for and received a blanket to keep him warm during changeovers, the anxieties of Francophiles and Fedfans everywhere are heating up.

With nothing decided, fans will wait until Monday, when Federer and Monfils are scheduled to take the court to complete their match, after Lucie Safarova and Maria Sharapova play their round of 16 match.

Not ideal, but it could be worse. The forecast? Chilly, but no rain—maybe even a little sun.