Gael Monfils claims Carlos Alcaraz will ‘crush’ him in Shanghai Masters match
Gael Monfils has claimed that he only has ‘a percent’ chance of beating Carlos Alcaraz at the Shanghai Masters tomorrow, despite claiming victory over the Spaniard just two months ago.
Monfils won his third consecutive match at the tournament earlier today, beating 16th seed and compatriot Ugo Humbert, 7-6(7) 2-6 6-1, to move into the last-16 of the Shanghai Masters for only the second time in his career.
This sets up an exciting fourth round meeting with World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz, who is currently on an 11-match winning streak after lifting the China Open title last week.
However, it is actually Monfils who has the most recent victory in their head-to-head, after beating Alcaraz in Cincinnati less than two months ago.
Despite having this victory, the former No.6 does not appear confident ahead of their upcoming match, “No, no. I think he will beat me. He will crush me 100%, you know. I think I was just lucky, as I said. Last time, I was very fortunate, and it was not a good match from him, and one of my good matches from me.
“His level is unbelievable. I have also done great myself, but he’s, as I say, a coming up legend. So I guess he will crush me, but as I say, I will do everything to not be crushed too easy, in a way. But everything is a bonus. It’s a bonus, you know.”
The Frenchman added, “It’s not like I come up on the court, of course, with the attitude, because I have the experience. But now I have the experience and I can talk like for real, you know, this kid is something else. So honestly, it’s going to be a 99% chance for him. But just to get a percent, you know, so that’s why you go. I’m going to enjoy myself, but as a real man I tell you, no, this kid is something else.”
Monfils and Alcaraz will go head-to-head second on Stadium Court tomorrow in Shanghai.
Inside the baseline…
It is so interesting and in some ways refreshing to hear a player speak so honestly, but hopefully Gael Monfils has more belief when actually playing the match tomorrow. It is no secret that Alcaraz was completely off his game in Cincinnati, but Monfils is also coming into this match in good form and the pressure is once again all on his opponent. While Alcaraz will definitely be the favorite,Monfils might be being a bit harsh when he says that he will be crushed.
Gael Monfils vs Carlos Alcaraz Head-to-head
Tomorrow will be the fourth meeting between Monfils and Alcaraz, with all of their previous matches also taking part on outdoor hard courts:
Monfils vs Alcaraz: 1-2
- Alcaraz beat Monfils, 7-5 6-1 (Indian Wells R16, 2022)
- Alcaraz beat Monfils, 6-2 6-4 (Miami Open R32, 2024)
- Monfils beat Alcaraz, 4-6 7-6(5) 6-4 (Cincinnati Open R32, 2024)
A fourth meeting in the fourth round 🔥@carlosalcaraz | @Gael_Monfils | #RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/0mUpa5gl5H
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 8, 2024
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