Confusing is perhaps the best word to use when describing Novak Djokovic’s 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-2, win over France’s Gael Monfils in the semi-final of the US Open.
The match consisted of more ups and downs than your average Hollywood blockbuster with Monfils’ occasional dismal tennis, Djokovic’s unexpected shirt rip and health problems striking both players in the humid conditions in New York.
Djokovic seemed certain for a crushing straight sets victory after racing to a two-sets lead in just over an hour against an ailing Monfils, who produced a series of poor play and appeared at one moment to be giving up on the match. It was a bizarre scenario for the Frenchman, who was playing in his first major semi-final for nine years. At one point the shocking situation resulted in the Crowd booing Monfils, who normally is one of the most popular players on the tour.
In the last minute: Crowd boos Monfils, Monfils tells them to boo louder, Monfils hits a double fault, crowd boos Monfils.
— Tumaini Carayol (@tumcarayol) 9 September 2016
After benefiting from his opponents 27 unforced errors during the first two sets, Djokovic finally encountered some stern resistance from his opponent. Suddenly Monfils’ lackluster play had gone as he dictated play throughout the third set, recovering from a 0-2 deficit by winning six out of the following seven games. Unlike the start of the match, Monfils’ athletic Movement and aggressive play justified why he deserved a place in the last four to begin with. The French comeback was one that frustrated Djokovic, who was troubled by a shoulder issue throughout the match, prompting him to rip his shirt in frustration.
Uniqlo probably did not love this #USOpen #djokovic pic.twitter.com/fx4LKQeiNI
— Lynn Berenbaum (@lynnlovestennis) 9 September 2016
Suffering a blip in the third set, Djokovic restored his dominance in the fourth as his increasingly fatigued opponent struggled to cope with the conditions. Closing in on his 21st grand slam final, the world No.1 carefully moved his way to a 5-2 lead, leaving Monfils tasked with serving to stay in the match. It was a task that was too much for the Frenchman as Djokovic raced to three match points, converting his first with a powerful forehand return winner.
After enduring a roller coaster experience on the Arthur Ashe stadium, Djokovic admitted that the hot weather in New York contributed towards the somewhat unorthodox match.
“Human,” Djokovic described the match during his on-court interview. “I think that was all we were thinking that and feeling in the last couple of sets. The conditions were different from most of the day’s during this tournament. Again, it was the same for both of us, we had to respect it.”
Struggling with a shoulder issue during the match, Djokovic cleverly sidestepped the question when asked about it in front of the crowd. On the other hand, he did explain his shirt ripping tricks.
“Sometimes it just happens.” The defending champion said. “We’re all people, in the heat of the moment you tend to do things like that.”
Friday’s encounter will not make Djokovic’s list of best grand slam performances with the below-par play demonstrated by both players throughout the match. Nevertheless, the top seed found a way to grab the win to justify why he is a champion of the sport. The match wasn’t pretty, but the significance of the win is no less.
