Gael Monfils isn’t expecting to pull off an upset over Carlos Alcaraz at the Shanghai Masters even though he has already beaten the Spaniard this year.
The French veteran sealed his place in the third round on Tuesday with a 7-6(7), 2-6, 6-1, win over compatriot Ugo Humbert. At the age of 38, Monfils has become the second oldest player to reach the last 16 in Shanghai after Roger Federer who he once beat at the tournament back in 2013.
Monfils will next take on the in-form Alcaraz who is currently on a nine-match winning streak (including the Laver Cup) and recently claimed the China Open title. He has already beaten the four-time Grand Slam winner earlier this season in Cincinnati but this time round he is less optimistic.
“I think he will beat me. He will crush me a hundred percent,” Monfils said of playing Alcaraz.
“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 a coming-up legend.
“I will do everything not to be crushed too easily, in a way. But everything is a bonus.
“it’s going to be a 99 percent chance for him, but just to get a percent, you know, so that’s why you go. I’m going to enjoy myself.”
It is not the first time Monfils has praised his younger rival on the Tour. In August, he described Alcaraz as a ‘complete player’ and drew parallels between him and the Big Three. Ironically those comments were made shortly before he beat him in Cincinnati.
Monfils has so far beaten two seeded players in Shanghai. Before getting the better of 16th-seeded Humbert, he also knocked out Argentina’s Sebastian Baez. Baez was seeded 22nd in the draw. As for where the momentum has come from, he is a bit puzzled.
“I have no idea, to be honest, you need to ask my coach,” Monfils replied when asked what is working well in his game.
“I’m asking my him myself. I try to do the work and be as much sharp as I can.”
Monfils is making his seventh appearance in Shanghai this year.
