Djokovic denies Monfils home title

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:55

The Serbian world number three had to withstand a stirring fightback from Monfils before clinching a 6-2 5-7 7-6 (7/3) triumph.

Djokovic won the first set with ease, breaking the Frenchman twice as Monfils struggled to satisfy the demanding home crowd.

The second was more of a contest. The players exchanged breaks before Monfils upped the tempo once more to claim the Djokovic serve and establish a 6-5 lead – an achievement which was greeted by some exuberant arm-twirling celebrations from the Parisian.

Monfils held his nerve to take it to a decider with Djokovic making a string of unforced errors as he tried to hit his way out of trouble.

The final-set initially swung the way of Djokovic as he broke early for a 2-0 lead after an epic rally.

A break apiece still saw Djokovic 4-1 up before Monfils rallied once more.

He held his own delivery before breaking and then holding again to level matters.

The match finally went to a deciding tie-break which Djokovic took control of with a mini-break for a 4-2 lead and he never looked back.

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