Ruud too strong for Monfils at US Open

In the end, there were no surprises.

In fine form since the Cincinnati Masters 1000, Monfils was unable to find the weapons to topple a Casper Ruud who was simply too consistent for him (6-4, 6-2, 2-6, 7-6).

After an opening game largely in the Norwegian's favor, in which the Frenchman had no choice but to defend away from his baseline, Monfils seemed to regain the upper hand.

After a brilliant third set in which the Frenchman regained his intensity and aggression, Monfils even led by a break in the fourth set (6-4, 6-2, 2-6, 1-3) before finally being caught.

Unperturbed, the world number 8 never gave up hope, content to keep up the pressure on the Tricolore.

Putting a lot of weight and intensity into his ball-striking, he was simply a little better than his 12-year-old elder.

Reassuringly, Ruud advances to the third round, where he will face 19-year-old Juncheng Shang, the revelation of the season (185th in the world in January, 72nd this week).