Monfils defeats Martinez in Auckland with an impressive comeback

Gaël Monfils faced Pedro Martinez in the first round in Auckland. Trailing 6-1, 5-2, the Frenchman was in dire straits.

However, he came back to win 1-6, 7-6, 6-3.

Also trailing 4-1 in the tiebreak of the second set, Monfils found the resources not to lose the match.

In a post-match interview, he said: "You (the public) helped me a lot. Thank you very much for your energy.

I've been on the ATP circuit for over 20 years. I've been 6-1 down on many occasions. I have experience in this field.

You have to believe in yourself. It wasn't good tennis at first.

I tried every point. It's not pretty, but you have to put the ball in the court. At some point, things improve. Then you have to seize the opportunity."

In the second round, Monfils will face Jan-Lennard Struff, who defeated Bu Yunchaokete.