Gael Monfils Reaches Legg Mason Classic Final
By James Waterson Photo Credit: Tony Chang
(August 7, 2011) World No. 7 Gael Monfils of France edged 35th-ranked American John Isner 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (6) at the Legg Mason Classic in Washington, D.C., to reach his first hard court final of the year.
Both players are known for their big serves, and they didn't disappoint.
Monfils hit 12 aces and won 72 percent of his service points, while isner struck 19 aces and won 69 percent of points on his serve.
The Frenchman earned the crucial break and served out the first set only to be broken in the second set.
Both players held serve throughout the third set, although Monfils had three chances to break. Some high-quality play at the end of the tiebreaker gave Monfils a berth into Sunday's final.
Monfils has a strong 5-2 record against the crafty Stepanek.