By Alberto Amalfi | Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Deadlocked after six games in the decisive set, Gael Monfils and Cameron Norrie took a thrilling match to Matrix levels.
The pair collaborated on a 24-shot thrill-ride rally all over the court that left both men sucking wind and fans roaring in celebration.
Murray: Make Doubles Mandatory
Monfils prevailed in that pulsating point and pulled out a 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 win over Norrie advancing to the Zhuhai quarterfinals.
The third-seeded Frenchman served 75 percent and saved two of three break points in a two hour, seven-minute victory.
It was Monfils' 24th-hard-court victory of the season,which is third on the ATP behind only Daniil Medvedev (41) and Roger Federer (25)
Though Monfils looked winded at times and even asked the chair umpire "what's the score?" during one changeover, he dug down in a highy-entertaining final set.
"I'm very happy because it's tough conditions out here," Monfils said afterward. "It's always tricky the first match, every time with new conditions. I'm not quite yet ready, because of the jet lag.
"I'm still battling, but I'm quite happy I could pull up this one tonight. It was important for my confidence."
Empowered by his run to the US Open quarterfinals, Monfils advanced to his eighth quarterfinal of the season.
Monfils will meet Albert Ramos-Vinolas for a place in the final four.
The Spanish left hander was a 7-6(2), 6-3 victor over Miomir Kecmanovic. Monfils has beaten Ramos-Vinolas in four of five career clashes, including a straight-sets win a the US Open last month.
Noted Monfils fan Nick Kyrgios lost to Andreas Seppi 7-6(5), 6-1. After failing to convert three set points at 5-4, Kyrgios was not nearly as committed in the second set.
South Korean qualifier Soonwoo Kwon surprised fifth-seeded Frenchman Lucas Pouille 7-6(4), 6-2 in one hour and 32 minutes.