Monfils is back on track by beating Shapovalov!

Big relief for Gael Monfils who just qualified for the 2nd round of the ATP 500 in Rotterdam. The Frenchman managed to defeat the returning Denis Shapovalov in two sets and two tie-breaks, 7/6(4), 7/6(5). The next run looks to be more challenging as Jannik Sinner may well be waiting for him.

Monfils was very strong-minded in a game without any breaks. He won the two decisive games without trembling. This gives him reassurance after a troubling start to the season, in terms of results but not only.

The extracurricular became involved last Friday with the controversy of his disqualification from the UTS exhibition in Oslo. The Frenchman's relief was evident after the match point (see video below).