ATP Tour - Dubai - Djokovic vs Monfils

Before I write anything, let me tell you that this was the match of the century for me, Novak Djokovic vs Gaël Monfils.

This time I knew both players very well and knew exactly what the match is going to be like and I guess I wasn't the only one. But I was wrong.

I've seen four matches I believe with Gaël Monfils in Dubai this year. He is a great talent but his performance was kind of fluctuating during matches, even though he won every match here in Dubai. My opinion about him before this match was that he needs more stamina as long matches are not for him, he gets exhausted at the middle of the match and then the whole thing becomes a struggle for him.

Knowing Djokovic, who's basically like a machine, he can resist a 4 - 5 hour match without any problems, I was convinced today Gaël Monfils will be sent home in half an hour. Well, I could not be more wrong.

Gaël Monfils started out very strong and continued like that almost till the end. He managed to win the first set to 6 - 2. Djokovic seemed a bit lost in the first set. As if he could never anticipate Monfils's moves. It was highly unusual to see him running around the court, losing game after game. It's not like him at all.

The second set was the most intense. I've hardly seen higher quality tennis. Djokovic seemed to regain his focus and strength and Gaël Monfils was everywhere, fighting for every shot. The tiebreak was also a very intense one and I thought he could win the second set. Unfortunately a spectator in the tribune behind Monfils was making noise and that may have been influenced Monfils. After the set ended, security was notified and the spectator removed. Unfortunately for Monfils, the set result was final.

The third set was a bit tragic, Monfils got hurt and needed to request medical help. After that it was obvious he's not well and lost the set and the match.

As i said before, I love Djokovic and wanted him to win but what I saw today has changed me. Monfils deserves all the respect in the world for his consistency today. He showed the world what he is capable of. He won my heart for sure and I'm a bit sad he didn't win today.

Tomorrow Djokovic is gong to play the finals against Tsitsipas. Again, for me it's obvious Djokovic is going to win but maybe I'm wrong and I'd be happy to be wrong on this. Tsitsipas had an easy (or easier) match today, but I can't say that about Djokovic. He needed all his energy to win today and that fatigue won't go away till tomorrow.