Monfils Wins Thriller Against Lehecka to Reach Third Round in Miami
At 38 years old, Gaël Monfils continues to defy age, winning a thrilling match against Jiri Lehecka (6-1, 3-6, 7-6) to advance to the third round of the Miami Masters 1000.
Monfils delivered a stellar first set, overpowering Lehecka, the 26th seed, with a score of 6-1 in just 24 minutes, thanks to an effective serve and aggressive play.
However, the match seemed almost too easy for the Frenchman, and his opponent logically woke up, securing his first break of the match at 2-1 in the second set. With authority, Lehecka pushed the match into a third set, setting the stage for an exciting finale.
Monfils saved two break points at 3-3 on his serve, before the two players battled it out in a suspense-filled tie-break. Lehecka erased three match points at 6-4 and 7-6, and even earned one of his own at 8-7.
But Monfils held firm and refused to falter, ultimately sealing the match on his fourth opportunity with a backhand passing shot.
In excellent form since the start of the year (title in Auckland, round of 16 in Melbourne, and third round in Indian Wells), the world No. 46 will have a great opportunity to reach the round of 16 as he faces Jaume Munar in the next round.
Miami 
