Monfils Extends Farewell With Fighting Win

Gael Monfils seems intent on making his final appearance at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters count.

The 39-year-old Frenchman, playing in the Principality for the last time, rallied from a set down to defeat Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor 6-7(7), 6-1, 6-4 to extend his stay in Monaco.

Capitalising on 29 forehand errors and 11 double faults from his opponent, Monfils advanced to a second-round meeting with eighth seed Alexander Bublik, whom he has beaten twice in three career meetings.

“It’s never easy the first match on clay,” said the 2016 finalist. “I haven’t played since Indian Wells but in the end I found my rhythm. “It’s been a long ride since my first match here in 2005. I’m just pleased to win one more match.”

With the victory, Monfils broke a tie with Richard Gasquet and now has won more ATP Masters 1000 matches (145) than any other Frenchman. He also became the second-oldest Masters 1000 match winner behind Ivo Karlovic, who reached the Indian Wells fourth round as a 40-year-old.

Earlier in the day Cameron Norrie steadied to defeat Miomir Kecmanovic 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(0) after failing to serve out the match at 5-4 in the third.