FRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images via Daylife
Better late than never! Novak Djokovic beat Gael Monfils, 6-2, 5-7, 7-6(3), in the Bercy final on Sunday, claiming his first (and last) Masters 1000 title of the year – in five attempts and on four surfaces. This is also Nole’s second trophy in as many weeks, following a nervy win over Roger Federer in the Basel finals last Sunday. He scored another major victory in this week’s semis, taking his rival and World No. 2, Rafael Nadal, out to the woodshed for a 6-2, 6-3 beat down.
Think Nole’s feeling up to defending his title at the upcoming World Tour Finals?
Loading ...Here are highlights from Sunday’s final in Bercy:
And Djokovic’s post-match interview, where he declares himself “deeeelighted” with the win:
The match entertained me for two reasons:
1. Monfils’ hometown crowd refused to let him fold, encouraging him with chants and bongo drums even when he was being embarrassed in the first set and a half. This is the upside to the notorious French crowd.
2. Both guys know how to express themselves:
JACQUES DEMARTHON/AFP/Getty Images via Daylife
FRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images via Daylife
After the match, I found myself happy for Djokovic and completely confused by Monfils. Is he a pusher with a big serve? A comet-quick shot maker or a defensive one-trick pony? A headcasey choker? A world-class ham? Jumping bean or Gumby? Maybe he’s still figuring it out, himself.
Identity crisis or no, Monfils does see himself as a Top 10 player:
“This end of season gives me really the desire to work hard so that next year maybe I will have a full season. I’m thinking if I was able to play all the year round, all the tournaments, how good it would be. Without doing that, I’m already Top 13. I don’t want to over-estimate myself, but if I had played a full year this year I would have been among the Top 10. I’m almost sure of that. I’m sure next year I will be able to get back within the Top 10.“
It’s time to get to work, Gael! Don’t be fooled by the “off” in off-season.
