Gael Monfils displayed his trademark showmanship to clinch a 15th win of a difficult and inconsistent season this year.
The world number 18 faced South African former world number five Kevin Anderson in the third round of Indian Wells.
After a tight back and forth holding serve until 4-4, Monfils managed to break for a chance to serve out the opening set.
At 30-30, the Frenchman set Anderson up for what looked to be a put-away smash. But the speed and athleticism of Monfils meant the cause was not lost as he got a racket to the ball.
The smash hit from metres behind the baseline so nearly sailed in for an astonishing winner.
While Monfils did not make the shot, and was subsequently broken, he did eventually win the first set 7-5. A more straightforward second set saw the 35-year-old clinch a double break and seal the match 7-5, 6-2.
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