Black Tennis Pros

In their quarterfinal match at the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati, Ohio on Friday evening, Frenchman Gael Monfils initiated an impressive game of tennis against World No. 1 Novak Djokovic of Serbia, taking the first set 6-3.

Alas, 'twas not to last -- the rematch of their Montreal quarterfinal last week would slowly drift into the same direction.


Going into the second set with the same vigor, Monfils continued to vary his game and provide as much offense as defense. He was at the net more than I've ever seen him there, and with great efficacy.

By the end of the second set, which he lost, 4-6, Monfils had also begun to lose his intensity as he hit fewer winning shots, ran out of breath, and experience an overall game decline.

The final score was 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.

It was good to see Monfils elevate his game to another level. Hopefully, we will see him maintain that level throughout entire matches in the future.