Novak Djokovic into US Open final after victory over Gael Monfils
Serb prevails in draining conditions in New York
Saturday 10 September 2016 09:25, UK
Novak Djokovic remained on course for a third Grand Slam title of the year by beating Gael Monfils in four sets to reach the US Open final.
The world No 1 will now face Stan Wawrinka for the crown after the Swiss overcame a wobbly start to beat Japan's Kei Nishikori in four sets in the second semi-final on a very hot and humid night at Flushing Meadows.
The world No 1 had enjoyed an easy passage to the last four with three of his first five opponents withdrawing. But Monfils was expected to provide the Serb's first test and, with the 10th seed rallying after a dominant Djokovic start, that is exactly what defending US Open champion got before sealing a 6-3 6-2 3-6 6-2 victory
Monfils, who had lost all 12 previous meetings between the pair, was playing in his first ever US Open semi-final following a blistering run that had seen him win all 15 sets that he had played, but within 23 minutes he was 5-0 down against Djokovic.
A brief wobble from the Serb gave Monfils hope but when Djokovic wrapped up the opener there only looked like being one winner but Monfils somehow conjured up the third set from 2-0 down by winning six of seven games - Djokovic's first dropped set since the opening round.
With sapping conditions taking their toll on both men, it became a gruelling battle in the fourth set but Djokovic's experience eventually saw him through.
Despite three visits from the trainer for a shoulder problem, the 13-time Grand Slam champion eased through the next couple of games to book his place in a seventh Flushing Meadows final.
Kei Nishikori or Stan Wawrinka will slug it out in the second semi-final but whoever makes it through will face a Djokovic who looks fresh and is getting better as he bids to add the US crown to the Australian and French Slams he won earlier in the year.
From the outset Monfils looked a man ill at ease on the Arthur Ashe Court, so out of character with the showman who had thrilled the Big Apple crowds in the earlier rounds. The Frenchman had appeared off in his interview on route to the court and he was broken in his opening service game to gift Djokovic the initiative.
The top seed reeled off another three games in succession to stand on the brink of a first set in under 25 minutes, but somehow Monfils hauled himself back into the match.
Having held serve to get on the board at 5-1, Monfils seized on a disgruntled Djokovic's unease at the big screens being in operation to break back and get into the set after Djokovic had uncharacteristically wasted a couple of set points.
At 5-3 Monfils then forced a break point that would have brought the game back on serve but the two-time champion steadied himself to take the set before a remarkable run that all but clinched the match.
The Frenchman took the opening game of the second set before Djokovic reeled off eight straight points to hold his own serve and break for a 3-1 lead that soon became 5-1.
The Serb's serve was virtually impenetrable and at one point Monfils had won just four points from a possible 24 as Djokovic rubber-stamped his authority on the match, going on to take the second set 6-2.
Djokovic, who beat Roger Federer to claim the 2015 title, moved into a 2-0 lead with an early break in the third set, but as in the first set, when faced with a seemingly impossible situation Monfils conjured up his best tennis of the match.
He reeled off five games in succession including a double break to wrestle back the initiative and with his trademark speed and athleticism to the fore he made it six games from seven to take the match into a fourth set.
From 0-40 down in the ninth game he produced a blistering run that ended with a forehand winner that Djokovic could not handle and with a roar the Frenchman was back in the match.
Treatment for a second time in the match came at the change of ends as the trainer worked on Djokovic's shoulder and with the humid conditions taking their toll the match ticked into a third hour.
With both men looking increasingly drained and temperatures pushing 100 degrees fahrenheit on the concrete surfaces it was a case of last man standing and as so often is the case it was Djokovic who found a way to win.
The pair traded three conseuctive breaks before Djokovic managed to consolidate and strike in the ninth game. The Serb summoned all his energies to force three break points on the Monfils serve and with a 5-2 lead it was three chances for the match and a final spot.
Djokovic needed just one as he sealed his the victory, but it may be the rest that needs most of all after a draining battle in the Mahattan heat.
