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Former World No. 6 Gael Monfils collected simply his second tour-level win of the season and first since Roland Garros when he defeated American Bjorn Fratangelo 6-3, 6-4 within the first spherical of the Mubadala Citi DC Open Monday evening in Washington, D.C.
Taking over residence deep behind the baseline, the 36-year-old Frenchman used his pace and athleticism to construct a defensive wall that the 30-year-old Pittsburgh native was unable to penetrate on his 2023 main-draw tour-level debut. En path to his 527th match win, Monfils additionally delighted followers with two signature slam-dunk smashes.
Monfils, who at No. 323 within the Pepperstone ATP Rankings wanted a wild card into the primary draw, withdrew from the second spherical of his house Grand Slam with a left wrist damage and performed his first match since Roland Garros final week in Atlanta.
“It is nice to be again in Washington. I like the assist right here. I began robust and it is one other good match beneath my belt,” mentioned Monfils, who acquired a post-match congratulatory kiss from spouse, WTA Tour star Elina Svitolina, who additionally picked up a win Monday.
“It is a good evening for each of us and hopefully we are able to preserve it going this week.”
Gael Monfils celebrates his first-round Washington win with spouse Elina Svitolina.” />
Gael Monfils celebrates his first-round Washington win with spouse Elina Svitolina. Picture: Ben Solomon
Monfils, who subsequent meets fellow showman, Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik, has reached no less than one ATP remaining for 18 straight seasons (2005-22) and has 11 titles to his identify.
Former finalist Mackenzie McDonald picked up his first win in three profession conferences with Diego Schwartzman when he defeated the World No. 95 6-3, 6-3. McDonald saved the lone break level he confronted whereas changing three of 9 alternatives on the 30-year-old’s serve.
The World No. 60 Californian defeated former champions Nick Kyrgios and Kei Nishikori en path to the 2021 title match, the place he misplaced to Jannik Sinner.
The Shang Train Is Back Up & Running
Michael Mmoh turned his 2023 win-loss report into constructive territory (8-7) with a 6-3, 6-3 defeat of fellow American, qualifier Bradley Klahn, who was chasing his first tour-level win for the reason that 2019 US Open.
China’s fast-rising 18-year-old lefty Shang Juncheng gained his opening-round match for the second consecutive week (Atlanta) with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Ecuador’s Emilio Gomez. Shang was strong from the baseline, profitable 60 per cent of factors on his second serve.
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