Gaël Monfils withdraws from the tournament

Suffering from a right knee injury, Gaël Monfils will be unable to compete this year in the French Open at Roland-Garros.

He will have to rest for at least three weeks before playing again.

The French player will be replaced in the men’s singles final draw by a lucky loser.

I hope you recover in time for Wimbledon Gael.

Related Articles

• Kim Clijsters out of French Open – April 17, 2012
• Mens and Womens French Open 2009 Quarterfinal Draws – June 2, 2009
• John Isner, Dmitry Tursunov and Mario Ancic out of French Open – May 23, 2009
• Video: Roger Federer’s First Practice Roland Garros 2012 – May 23, 2012
• Roger Federer Already Practicing at Roland Garros ahead of French Open 2012 – May 23, 2012

Gael Monfils has been forced to withdraw from the French team due to play the USA in the 2nd Round of this years Davis Cup.

During a practice session on Sunday he developed pain and a subsequent MRI scan has revealed a lesion on his left oblique muscle. This injury will need approximately 15 days to heal putting his entry into the Monte-Carlo Masters at risk, the tournament starts on Monday 16 April. French Captain, Guy Forget, is yet to name a replacement.

Mardy Fish has not travelled with the USA team after a health scare brought about by a “heavy playing schedule”. Doctors advised the 30 year old to rest and team Captain Jim Courier has called on the services of young hopeful Ryan Harrison.

‘I’m extremely disappointed that I am physically unable to join the team,’ read a statement from Fish. ‘I had a minor health scare in Miami last week and stayed in Florida to heed the doctor’s recommendation to rest for a few days.

‘I hope to be able to resume my training later this week and possibly compete next week in Houston. I value every opportunity to compete in Davis Cup and wish I could be with my teammates this week.’

A speedy recovery to both players.

Related Articles

• 2011 US Open Day 1 Preview and Predictions – August 29, 2011
• Radek Stepanek: Solid Results to Win the ATP Washington Tournament – August 9, 2011
• Gael Monfils – Point of the Year – March 7, 2011
• Daniela Hantuchova Confirms For Brisbane International – November 14, 2008
• Monfils is OUT of Roland Garros – May 24, 2012

Related Articles

• Milos Raonic with Tennis Canada Kids Active Program – March 30, 2012
• Milos Raonic at Sony Ericsson Open 2012 – March 22, 2012
• Behind the Scenes – Milos Raonic – March 21, 2012
• Samantha Stosur Video Before Second Round Match – August 31, 2011
• Gael Monfils – Point of the Year – March 7, 2011

Related Articles

• Daniela Hantuchova Confirms For Brisbane International – November 14, 2008
• Monfils is OUT of Roland Garros – May 24, 2012
• Keepy-Uppy Competition Between Andy Murray, Jo Wilfried Tsonga and Fernando Verdasco – May 23, 2012
• Monfils & Fish Out Of Davis Cup – April 2, 2012
• Awesome Point: Milos Raonic vs Gael Monfils – Practice at Miami Sony Ericsson Open 2012 – March 22, 2012

For those of you that enjoy a good light show and funky music then Bercy is the place for you. This year a robot introduces the players whilst the court is lit up with lights to the beat of the music. I’ll take a video later to show you all.

I started my day on Centre Court to watch Youzhny against Kohlschreiber. I was half expecting a Youzhny special, i.e. meltdown but alas all I got was a defeat. At least he managed to avoid a bagel in the 2nd set but he started to play a little too late to change the match around.

I went to the Media Centre to see what time Philipp was having his press conference but the wait was too long. I watched the first 3 games of Cilic v Verdasco on the TV screen before going back to my seat. It looked like Nando was going to carry on where Youzhny had left off, handing a break to Cilic with a DF. Muller v Anderson was about to start on Court 1 so I moved over there. Muller was having a bad start and was quickly 0-3. Court hopped once again as, checking the score on my phone, I saw that Nando was playing a bit better; anyone would think he didn’t want to play well in front of me. But play well he did and so confident was I in him wrapping up at the match whilst 3-0 up in the 3rd I once again made my way to the Press Bar to grab myself a croissant, seriously, they do taste better when they are free!

Back to Centre court for Raonic v Benneteau. As will previous occasions whenever a French player is on Centre court you are guaranteed someone will bring the bongos J It all adds to the unique atmosphere that is Bercy. On my way to my seat for this match I had found out the time of Nando’s press conference, 16.15 so I made am mental note to go to that. Until then I stayed and watched young Milos take the 1st set.

Off to Nando’s presser I went and whilst this time I asked no questions it was still an experience to be there. He was asked about the Davis Cup, why he visited California recently (a close friend had undergone heart surgery so he stayed there for 10 days), and his opinion on the court speed “ Well I think that it’s slower than last year is what I can say, but also because last year was so fast. It’s not like it’s unbelievable slow, it’s just indoor hardcourt”.

After the press conference I made my way to Court 1 for Mayer v Stepanek (past Gillou Simon who was eating a choc chip cookie. Don’t say I don’t give you the backstage gossip J). I will admit to being rather disappointed with Radek’s kit, I wanted something a little more colourful. Unfortunately his tennis matched his kit and he lost in straight sets. Stayed on Court 1 to catch Bellucci v Bogomolov Jr. My, the American can’t half sweat, we was only 6 games in and his shirt looked like he had taken a shower in it. By this time I had once again checked my phone and Milos had lost in 3 sets. To console myself I quickly left the arena to pop across the road for the best panini’s in the world. After my food and a diet coke I made my way back for the night session.

As I sat down Monfils was just finishing up his practice session. As earlier promised I recorded the light & music show before the Mahut v Ferrero match that I will upload to my Youtube account. This match was a privilege to watch. Net play, drop shots, volleys, passing shots and rallies that ended with a winner. It was an absolute joy to watch. A shame that Ferrero could not take the match to a deciding set but you cannot have everything.

As I wanted to try and get an early night I decided to go to the Media Centre and start writing up this report whilst waiting for Mahut’s press conference. I got most of it written before he arrived at 21.25. I have no idea what was said as it was all in French, though I did pick up a translated copy of the press conference on my way out. Here are a few quotes:

Q – Are you playing your best tennis?
A – Maybe. I’m playing very good tennis, but also, I’m able to play quite relaxed on the court.

Q – Next match is another Spaniard, Ferrer
A – I played him when we were younger because we are the same age. In team competitions we played each other very often, but at this level I have never met him on the court.

After the press conference it was time for a few more games of tennis and I joined the Tursunov v Mannarino match right at the end of the 1st set, which Mannarino won 6-2. I stayed for the first 3 games of the 2nd set then called it a day.

*PHOTOS ADDED – http://www.flickr.com/photos/clare2904/

Related Articles

• BNP Paribas Paris Masters – Draw, Day 1 & Day 2 Report – November 6, 2011
• French Open Exhibition Event – May 24, 2012
• 2011 US Open Day 1 Preview and Predictions – August 29, 2011
• Gael Monfils – Point of the Year – March 7, 2011
• Monfils is OUT of Roland Garros – May 24, 2012

Related Articles

• 2011 US Open Day 1 Preview and Predictions – August 29, 2011
• US Open 2011 Injury List is Growing – August 22, 2011
• Best and Funniest Moments of the US Open 2011 – September 22, 2011
• Samantha Stosur Behind the Scenes after US Open 2011 Win – September 14, 2011
• Serena Williams You Are a Dick! – September 13, 2011

Mardy Fish v. Tobias Kamke- Enjoying by far the best year of his career, Mardy Fish will be looking to make a deep run in the 2011 US Open.   In the first round he will be facing Tobias Kamke from Germany.  Kamke will be no light task as the speedy Germany possesses an all around game with no overwhelming weaknesses.  Kamke generates a ton of racket speed off both sides and will be looking to dictate play from the baseline by taking the ball early when given the opportunity.   With this being said, Fish will undoubtedly have to work but should be able to make it through unscathed.

Prediction:Fish in 3

Roger Federer v. Santiago Giraldo- This first round match is about as lopsided as it gets.  Giraldo is a defensive baseliner from Colombia who does not have any weapons to threaten Federer and really prefers the Clay courts to which his style of play is much better suited.  Federer should be able to use this match to build form for the rest of the tournament.  I don’t see any possible way for Federer to lose this match barring an injury.

Prediction: Federer in 3

Ryan Harrison v. Marin Cilic- This is an extremely intriguing matchup.   You have the young  American upstart in Ryan Harrison looking to breakthrough in a major for the first time and accelerate his already inclining career path.  In contrast, Marin Cilic is attempting to regain the form that cemented his spot in the top 10 and spurred him to an Australian Open semifinal in 2010.  Cilic has not won a grand slam match this season and this match very well could lead to his completion of a “grand slam”- losing in the first round of all four majors.  Look for Harrison to relentlessly attack the Cilic forehand as it contains a lot of wrist action and is prone to breaking down.   Overall, I think Harrison plays a more reliable, gutsy, confidence driven game and at this moment is in a better spot in his career despite being ranked lower.

Prediction: Harrison in 4

Gael Monfils v. Grigor Dimitrov- This is an absolutely fantastic first round match between quite possibly the future of men’s tennis in Dimitrov and arguably the most electrifying player on tour in Monfils.  Dimitrov is surely going to give Monfils everything he can handle and really make him work hard to earn his passage through to the 2nd round.   This match will really be predicated on whether the passive or aggressive Monfils shows up.  If Monfils chooses to camp back 2 miles behind the baseline and retrieve with his exceptional defensive abilities, he really is not setting himself up with the best chance to win.  Dimitrov has incredible shot making ability and if he is on, playing defensive is simply not going to work out for Monfils.  If Monfils chooses to play more offensively, this could be a slugfest.  I expect Monfils will draw substantial confidence from his performance against Novak Djokovic in Cincinnati and in the end find a suitable balance between offense and defense that will be too much for Dimitrov to counter.

Prediction: Monfils in 4

Ivo Karlovic v. Fernando Gonzalez- Many people might be surprised to find out that Fernando Gonzalez in fact still does play tennis being he has only played 6 tour level matches this season.  Plagued by a knee injury in the first half of 2011, Gonzo faces a formidable challenge in the big serving Croatian.  I really see this match as one that is going to be very difficult for Gonzalez to win.  Only having played one hard court match this summer, Gonzo is lacking match play and there is no worse player to try to develop rhythm against than Karlovic.

Prediction: Karlovic in 4 (expect a few tiebreakers)

Kohlschreiber v. Stepanek-  Stepanek has enjoyed greater success on the American hard courts than Kohlschreiber this summer and leads their head to head 4-1.  Kohlschreiber is a personal favorite of mine but unfortunately the craft and finesse of Stepanek will prove too much for the German.

Prediction: Stepanek in 4 tight sets

Other Matches:

Malisse v. Granollers- Toss up match.  Neither player has won a hard court match this summer and Granollers has not even played in a hard court tournament.  This is a tough call, but I am going to say the X-man in five unentertaining sets.

Prediction: Malisse in 5

Monaco v. Seppi- This could be a long, drawn out match as both of these guys prefer to grind it out from the baseline.  Monaco  definitely has a greater ability to turn defense into offense and pull the trigger.

Prediction: Monaco in 5

Rounding off Day 1…

Montanes over Kukushkin in 5, Ferrero over Andujar in 3, Dolgpolov over Gil in 3, Petzschner over Ramos in 3, Fognini over Zeballos in 5, Llodra over Hanescu in 3, Tipsarevic over Gensse in 3,  Nishikori over Cipolla in 3, Gasquet over Stakhovsky in 3, Haas over Dasnieres De Veigy in 5, Troicki over Falla in 4, Berdych of Jouan in 3, Anderson over Soeda in 3

Upsets: Sela over Bellucci in 4, Jaziri over De Bakker in 5

Related Articles

• Gael Monfils Trick Shot Against Juan Carlos Ferrero – September 7, 2011
• Mardy Fish: I Dont Speak French You Dumbass – September 6, 2011
• Bernard Tomic Gets a Tennis Lesson from Marin Cilic – September 2, 2011
• US Open 2011 Injury List is Growing – August 22, 2011
• Radek Stepanek: Solid Results to Win the ATP Washington Tournament – August 9, 2011

“On this level, it’s never easy, said Djokovic. You still have to make your points and you still have to make all those winners that I have done tonight.”

“I mean, I have played the best match of the tournament, no doubt.  Everything was going well.  I had a difficult game on 2.‑All to hold my serve.  After that, when I made the first break, it was incredible.  9, 10 games in a row.”

“I’m happy to see my game is progressing each day.”

Related Articles

• Mardy Fish Goes into Rogers Cup Semifinals – August 13, 2011
• Roger Federer Turns 30 – August 9, 2011
• Gael Monfils and Novak Djokovic Star in Martin Solveig’s New Music Video “Hello” – July 14, 2010
• Daniela Hantuchova Confirms For Brisbane International – November 14, 2008
• Novak Hits The Court @ Roland Garros – May 24, 2012

Radek Stepanek has performed amazingly well and has found a way to win the ATP Tour title in Washington.

Stepanek was a little lucky as Mardy Fish had to withdraw from the tournament, but he had a string of very solid wins, including the final where he beat Gael Monfils 6-4 6-4 to take the title.

This is Stepanek’s fifth title and his first ATP 500 win.  At 32, he is the oldest player in the top 100.

Related Articles

• 2011 US Open Day 1 Preview and Predictions – August 29, 2011
• Washington Tournament Get’s New Sponsor – April 26, 2012
• Monfils & Fish Out Of Davis Cup – April 2, 2012
• Andy Roddick Out of French Open and ATP Made a Big Mistake Last Week – May 21, 2011
• Daniela Hantuchova Confirms For Brisbane International – November 14, 2008

Gael Monfils has announced that he has split with his coach Roger Rasheed. The pair have been working together since 2008, but it hasn’t yielded the right results for Monfils.

“We decided to stop our collaboration by mutual agreement,” said Monfils after helping France into the semi-finals of the Davis Cup with a comfortable victory over Germany.

“We had reached the end of a great story. I owe him a lot, I learned a lot with him.

“It went very well. We talked, we had a good discussion. We’re still very good friends.”

Related Articles

• Monfils is OUT of Roland Garros – May 24, 2012
• Monfils & Fish Out Of Davis Cup – April 2, 2012
• Two Handed Backhand Wrist Position – April 2, 2012
• Awesome Point: Milos Raonic vs Gael Monfils – Practice at Miami Sony Ericsson Open 2012 – March 22, 2012
• Ivan Lendl Launches Ivan Lendl International Junior Tennis Academy – February 6, 2012