Monfils before facing Alcaraz: "I think he'll beat me".

Gaël Monfils has just notched up three fine victories in Shanghai after a very solid tournament.

For a place in the quarter-finals, he will face one of the strongest players in the world, Carlos Alcaraz.

The Frenchman has cause for hope, having beaten the Spaniard in their last meeting in Cincinnati.

Asked about this, Monfils explained that he didn't really expect to win: "No, no, I think he'll beat me. He's going to crush me 100%.

I think last time I was very lucky, and it wasn't a good match from him. His level is incredible.

I also did very well, but he is, as I said, a legend in the making.

So I think he's going to crush me, but as I said, I'll do everything I can not to be crushed too easily.

Everything's a bonus. I'm experienced and I can talk that way, this kid is different.

Honestly, he'll have a 99% chance, but for that percentage, I'm going. I'm going to have fun."