It was a match everyone will always remember as one of the ‘weirdest matches’ in the history of US Open. The match played between Novak Djokovic and Gael Monfils saw some weird tactics by the Frenchman and an even stranger reactions from Djokovic. Ultimately the Serb came on top beating the Monfils 6-3,6-2,3-6,6-2. Here is how the Twitter reacted to the weird semifinal last night:
https://twitter.com/ESPNTennis/status/774420698332860417
I don't get criticism of Monfils's tactics. Djokovic is a huge favorite and 12-0 against him. Why not mix things up & keep him off balance?
— Carl Bialik (@CarlBialik) September 9, 2016
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What is going on ? Monfils walking to return balls – looking not bothered – it's got under Djokovic skin whose blood boiling @Eurosport_UK
— Annabel Croft (@Annabel_Croft) September 9, 2016
One of the weirder starts to a Slam semi you'll see. Monfils saves 4 set points, while trying to do the opposite. Djokovic leads 5-2.
— Steve Tignor (@SteveTignor) September 9, 2016
Excellent from Monfils in press – think there is a misunderstanding of tactics in matches, esp when people see someone playing "differently"
— Simon Cambers (@scambers73) September 9, 2016
Monfils sounded really hurt that John McEnroe had called him "unprofessional." He said he'd be glad to talk. Would love to be there for that
— Carl Bialik (@CarlBialik) September 9, 2016
Monfils was criticized thoroughly for his on court antics and was dubbed unprofessional by John McEnroe himself. After trailing 5-0 in the first set, Monfils started slicing up every other shot, hardly moving to hit the ball back. Caught off guard, Djokovic lost 3 games post that but managed to take the set at 6-3.
In press, Monfils (literally) swears he was competing on court. Questions those who called him unprofessional. pic.twitter.com/NBbBv4AcVP
— BBC Tennis (@bbctennis) September 9, 2016
"You can't support that. I'm sorry." –John McEnroe on Monfils' bizarre game today
— Kelyn Soong (@KelynSoong) September 9, 2016
https://twitter.com/BigSportGB/status/774360725678678016
Gael Monfils is a wild man. I love this guy! Always have. Always will.
— Larry Holder (@LarryHolder) September 9, 2016
Even the Mad Men man is mad about Monfils' effort. Obviously. pic.twitter.com/ZfKuk2j9ji
— Pseudo McEnroe (@McEnroeTweets) September 9, 2016
The crowd, for obvious reasons didn’t appreciate Monfils’ lack of efforts despite him taking the third set 6-3. It was unpredictable Tennis all around with Djokovic getting frustrated with whatever was happening and even ripped his Tshirt once, out of anger.
https://twitter.com/tumcarayol/status/774345133521117184
Monfils is tanking but shame on @ESPNTennis commentators virtually asking spectators to boo him – not cool guys. This is the @usopen not WWE
— Yashodhan Ghorpade (@yashodunn) September 9, 2016
The second semfinal saw the two time grand slam winner Stan Wawrinka beat the 2014 US Open finalist Kei Nishikori 4-6,7-5,6-4,6-2. The Swiss after a series of bad performances and early exits has finally showcased some run of form in this US Open which he will take to the finals as well where he meets the Serb. Normalcy was returned to the Open after the fans lauded both players for the quality of Tennis they produced and giving them a semifinal to watch.
Awesomely strong performance in brutal humidity from Stan Wawrinka as he beats Kei Nishikori, after losing the first set.
— Russell Fuller (@russellcfuller) September 10, 2016
Finally going back hotel @usopen !!!! Follow me on snapchat !! 👻 stanwaw pic.twitter.com/64IbM4RFeG
— Stanislas Wawrinka (@stanwawrinka) September 10, 2016
@stanwawrinka was too strong when it counted today vs @keinishikori @usopen. Congrats to Stan! Super tourney Kei! Keep working hard.
— Nick Bollettieri (@NickBollettieri) September 10, 2016
Wawrinka has covered 1.7mi, Nishikori 1.56mi so far.
Total distance run to the semis: https://t.co/N5taQd72EX pic.twitter.com/Ld53sHrYaL
— SI Tennis (@SI_Tennis) September 10, 2016
https://twitter.com/tumcarayol/status/774398442298802176
solid start from #nishikori great view to see from @eurosport_uk, #wawrinka over hitting w… https://t.co/GmNlyNaae5 pic.twitter.com/ffCXzZ5TZG
— Pat Cash (@TheRealPatCash) September 9, 2016
If Rafael Nadal had to sit next to Wawrinka's absolute mess of a chair he'd go crazy. Rackets, clothes, drinks, towels all over the place.
— Tom Perrotta (@TomPerrotta) September 10, 2016
Remember when Wawrinka was match point down to a Villa-supporting Brummie?
— David Law (@DavidLawTennis) September 10, 2016
Stan Wawrinka's sopping wet shirt is a symbol of how we all feel right now. Above 30 degrees at 8pm. Insane.
— Catherine Whitaker (@CWhitakerSport) September 10, 2016
Both the players took extra time outs due to severe humidity which saw the fans getting restless. But the quality of Tennis that was produced by both of these made up for all the time they took off.
The Twitter got all crazy for Wawrinka after his sheer brilliant performance.
US Open final sunday. Who would have thought. #StanTheMan
— Magnus Norman (@normansweden) September 10, 2016
[3] @StanWawrinka bidding to be oldest major champ since @AndreAgassi at 2003 @AustralianOpen and #USOpen champ since Ken Rosewall in 1970.
— ATP Media Info (@ATPMediaInfo) September 10, 2016
Stanimal grabs the late break and takes a two sets to one lead–and he's amped. #USOpen pic.twitter.com/qqgYEjpGYZ
— TennisNow (@Tennis_Now) September 10, 2016
https://twitter.com/ESPNTennis/status/774406068382425088
When you're worthy of that STAN-ding ovation… @stanwawrinka #usopen pic.twitter.com/owRcoabM7H
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 10, 2016
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Mirror, mirror on the wall, who has the most beautiful backhand of them all? @stanwawrinka #usopen pic.twitter.com/TUisNCfmQT
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 9, 2016
My thoughts on Nishikori and Wawrinka heading into tonight's #USOpen match thanks to @Chase #MasterTheOpen pic.twitter.com/BFJiF8FLFO
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) September 9, 2016
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