Top seed Gael Monfils claims the 2020 Open Sud de France title in Montpellier after defeating Vasek Pospisil 7-5, 6-3 in the finals on Sunday. With this victory, Monfils clinches his third title at the Montpellier Open and first since 2014.
Monfils led the head-to-head with Pospisil 5-0 coming into their final clash with all the wins coming on hardcourt. It was Monfils who once again came through on the surface, gritting out two gruelling sets after over 1 hour and 34 minutes.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The 33-year-old blasted four well-timed aces, to Pospisil’s 2. Moreover, the Frenchman won 46% of the second serve points and dominating his opponent on his second serves, winning 74% of them.
Gael Monfils edged Pospisil to win the first set
The opening set saw no break points until the 10th game when Monfils earned a set point on Pospisil’s serve at 5-4. The Canadian denied the set point and held a crucial serve game. However, the Frenchman broke Pospisil in his next service game and clinched the opening set 7-5 after 57 minutes of gruelling tennis.
What a way to close the set!!!
🇫🇷🎾 @Gael_Monfils remporte le premier set 7-5 sur un ÉNORME passing gagnant ‼️😱 #OSDF20 pic.twitter.com/T8TdVh7bjP
— Open Sud de France (@OpenSuddeFrance) February 9, 2020
Monfils secures the Montpellier Open title for the third time
The Frenchman saved two break points at 2-1 before Pospisil took a medical timeout. The Canadian star was also seen having a syrup after the medical timeout. Monfils once again denied two break points in his next service game as the games went with the serve.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Gael Monfils then broke Pospisil for the second time in the match at 5-3. He made no mistakes while serving for the match as he secured the set 6-3, winning the match in 1 hour and 34 minutes. With this victory, he also wins his 9th ATP title.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
That celebration 😂
Congratulations, @Gael_Monfils!@OpenSuddeFrance pic.twitter.com/3QZWDcXzfT
— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 9, 2020
Challenge Your Sports Knowledge!
Solve the puzzle and prove your knowledge of iconic players, terms, and moments.