Mercurial Frenchman Gael Monfils battled into the second round of the Heineken Open in Auckland yesterday, displaying flashes of brilliance as he came from behind to keep his injury comeback on track.
The former World No 7 beat German Benjamin Becker 6-7 (2/7), 6-3, 6-4 in the New Zealand tournament, a warm-up for this month’s Australian Open Grand Slam later this month.u00a0While Monfils conceded his performance was patchy, he showed no signs of discomfort from the troublesome knee that marred much of his 2012 season. “It was tough,” he said.
Gael Monfils celebrates a point against Benjamin Becker. PIC/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT
“I tried to do my best (but) sometimes I’m on and off, but it’s my first game and I try to do my best,” he added.u00a0Monfils’ serve proved a potent weapon in an error-strewn match, as he blasted down 19 aces, compared to just five from Becker, whose challenge faded after he won a first set tie-breaker.
Melzer embarrassed
Meanwhile, Australian qualifier Greg Jones made a mockery of his 373 world ranking and notched his first win in five ATP matches to dispose of Austrian sixth seed Jurgen Melzer in straight sets.
Jones downed World No 29 Melzer 7-6 (9/7), 6-2, causing the Austrian to throw his racquet to the court in frustration as the Australian saved triple break point in the fifth game of the first set. “It’s a pretty good feeling,” the 23-year-old Sydneysider said.
“I trained really hard during the off-season. Physically, I’m just feeling much better on the court,” he added, revealing he had eased back on his favourite meal of burgers and chips.
In other first round matches, Colombian Santiago Giraldo thrashed Go Soeda of Japan 6-1, 6-0, Slovak Lukas Lacko downed Italy’s Paolo Lorenzi 6-3, 6-3 and Holland’s Igor Sijsling ground out a 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 win over compatriot Robin Haase. Canadian Jesse Levine made short work of wild card Daniel King-Turner, strolling to a 6-2, 6-2 win.
Defending champion and top seed David Ferrer of Spain will play for the first time today after receiving a bye into the second round, along with Philipp Kohlschreiber and Tommy Haas, seeded two and three respectively, and American fourth seed Sam Querrey.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
