Monfils Extends Farewell; Kouame Exits

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.

Ugo Humbert got the better of his 17-year-old countryman Moise Kouame in a match played under lights on court Rainier III. The left-handed Frenchman failed to serve out the match at his first opportunity in the second set but soon after closed out the contest 6-3, 7-5 after saving seven of 10 break points he faced in the match.

“I’m super happy that I’ve won my first match [of the season] on clay,” Humbert said. “He’s really young but he has a good future. He looks a little bit like Gael Monfils. He has a big serve and moves very well.

Next up Humbert faces World No. 2 Jannik Sinner. “I really love to play these kind of matches to see where I am on the court. It will be a nice atmosphere between the Italians and the French. I’m super excited for this match.”

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.