By Richard Pagliaro | Friday, October 20, 2023
A 37-year-old Gael Monfils edged Adrian Mannarino 7-5, 7-6(3) reaching his first semifinal in 21 months and becoming the oldest-ever Stockholm semifinalist.
Photo credit: Nordic Open Facebook
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The eternally-energetic Monfils out-dueled compatriot Adrian Mannarino 7-5, 7-6(3) to advance to his first Tour-level semifinal in 21 months in Stockholm.
The 37-year-old Monfils made his mark as the oldest semifinalist in Stockholm history, surpassing Hall of Famer Ken Rosewall, who was 36 when he made the final four in 1970.
It is Monfils’ first semifinal since the 2022 Adelaide when he defeated Karen Khachanov to take the title.
The 2011 Stockholm champion Monfils continues his hunt for a 12th career title. Monfils meets either Serbian Laslo Djere or Czech lucky loser Tomas Machac for a spot in the final.
Earlier, Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic held a 6-0, 3-2 lead over Elias Ymer when the Swedish wild card retired due to illness. That result sends Kecmanovic into Saturday’s semifinals against Pavel Kotov.
Russian qualifier Kotov saved all seven break points he faced defeating Tallon Griekspoor 7-6(4), 6-2 to reach his second semifinal of the season and first since Marrakech.
A tight test between French fans escalated late in the second set as Monfils used his quick court coverage and some off-pace shots to test the flat-hitting Mannarino.
Staring down a set point at 4-5, Mannarino slid an acute-angle slice serve wide and knocked off a high forehand volley. That slick serve-and-volley helped the French left-hander level after 10 games.
Monfils stamped a love hold for 6-5.
A patient Monfils tightened the screws in the 12th game with double-set point. When Mannarino approached, Monfils pounced, spinning a two-handed backhand pass down the line to break with a bolt and take a one-set lead.
Monfils served 76 percent and won five of seven second-serve points in the 48-minute opening set.
Backhand brilliance from Monfils scalded Mannarino in the third game of the second set. Monfils spun a backhand drive volley then flicked a one-handed pass down the line, capping a mesmerizing display taking a bow for the roaring crowd as he held for 2-1.
Pinpoint precision on the backhand pass came into play again as Monfils flicked a running backhand pass for triple break point. The acrobatic Frenchman broke again to go up 3-1.
The 140th-ranked Monfils tightened up a bit in the seventh game. Monfils double faulted off the tape gifting back the break to Mannarino, who drew closer at 3-4.
The 35-year-old Mannarino, who has captured titles in Astana and Newport this season, evened after eight games and eventually helped to force the tiebreaker.
In the second-set tiebreaker, Monfils laced an ace off the center stripe for 3-2. Mannarino maneuvered the ball into the corners answering to level.
Reading the wide serve, Monfils fired a full stretch forehand return down the line off the sideline for 4-3 then coaxed a netted error for 5-3.
A frustrated Mannarino missed a forehand wide then tossed his Babolat racquet in frustration handing his compatriot three match points at 6-3.
When Mannarino bumped a forehand volley into net, Monfils was through to his first semifinal in 21 months. Monfils shot a clenched fist to wife Elina Svitolina and his team in the support box and embraced Mannarino.
World No. 140 Monfils denied Mannarino his 40th win of the season, while improving to 12-10 in 2023.