By Erik Gudris | Saturday, July 23, 2016

 

Gael Monfils proved too much for young Alexander Zverev as the French veteran booked his place in the Washington, D.C. final.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

An anticpated potential blockbuster semifinal between a popular veteran and a rising young talent ended up being more of a bust at the Citi Open. Yet now, Gael Monfils finds himself back in the final of the ATP 500 event in Washington, D.C.

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It’s the 20th career final for Monfils. But Monfils has only won five ATP Tour titles. He’s hoping tomorrow to add to that total having lost in two finals earlier this season in Rotterdam and Monte Carlo.

“I played many finals when I was a teenager against Roger (Federer), (Andy) Roddick, and more so it was really tough. But I know that can play well and tomorrow I face someone who is strong,” Monfils said. “Finals are always different but I hope to get this one.”

The No. 2 seed Monfils faced off against 19-year-old Alexander Zverev of Germany. Zverev, into his fifth semifinal of the season, was expected to bring his solid backcourt game against the crowd pleasing shotmaking of Monfils.

The first game of the opening set proved that expection would not be met all night.

Zverev started his opening service game with several shaky forehand errors. That allowed Monfils early break point chances that he then converted to take the first game.

The German teenager did hold a break point of his own later at 2-1. But Monfils ripped a potent passing shot from deep behind the baseline that Zverev couldn’t handle. Monfils eventually held for 3-1.

A brief rain delay halted play but it didn’t halt Monfils’ momentum. When play resumed, Monfils kept up his strong serving and eventually closed out the set 6-4.

Monfils delighted the crowd in the second set by leaping in air, appearing he would rip a winner. Instead he softly placed the ball over the net. For the most part, Monfils didn’t need many of these shots, preferring instead to keep the ball deep against Zverev and then open up the court with a rocket forehand in the open court.

Monfils went up an early service break and never looked back. Zverev’s level dropped allowing Monfils to secure yet another service break.

Eventually, Monfils served for the match at 5-0. He fired down one final potent serve to secure the 6-4, 6-0 win.

After the match, Zverev said his performance was due to being sick the night before and not feeling 100 percent today.

When asked if he thought about withdrawing before the match Zverev responded with “It’s the semifinal of an ATP 500 event. I’m not pulling out no matter how bad I feel. I tried to make it a straight sets win. A quick one. But that’s not easy against him.”

Monfils now faces Ivo Karlovic in the final. The two are tied in their head to head at 2-all, but have not met since 2011. Monfils knows that he will have to take what opportunities he can against the Croatian’s big serve.

“We know what to expect. It’s going to be tough. I’m not sure it’s about having a game plan but just be ready for some opportunities that I have tomorrow and try to be focused and do as well as I can.”