News of the day - 2010

Benneteau was the boss

In the quarter final match between Gael Monfils and Julien Benneteau it is the latter of the two that qualified for the semis after winning in straight sets 6-3 7-5 in 1h18.

No break points on the radar until 4-3 Benneteau and Monfils serving. The number 2 French player went down 15-40. Monfils saved the first with an ace but spoiled the second with a sloppy forehand into the net. Benneteau followed up with a love game and served out the first set after 26 minutes (6-3). Monfils, was going to have to do a lot more than serve big in order to turn things around. On the other hand, Benneteau was clicking on all cylinders. The man who beat Federer in Paris at the end of last season was not only serving big but also returning well, volleying solid and believing in his chances.
Up 1-0 in the second set, Monfils made his move and managed to capture the service game of his opponent. But two games later, leading 3-1, the Paris indoor runner-up, was broken again and the match was back on serve. In the very next game, Benneteau saved a break point, but down 4-3, Monfils picked up another break opportunity that, this time, he seized with a cold blooded passing shot. Monfils had a chance to close out the set and level the match, but the 13th player in the world could not keep his cool and Benneteau was able once again to break back.The "Boulonese" did even better as he managed to break Monfils at 5 all and go up 6-5 and serving. In the very next game, Monfils scored a single point, and Julien Benneteau four.
In the semis, Benneteau will again face a big server. In the semis, Benneteau will again face a French player. But this time it's big JW who awaits.