It’s just two rounds to go before we get to know who the winner of the 2016 Monte Carlo Masters is. Will the trophy return to its eight-time owner, Rafael Nadal or will Andy Murray have a say in it? On the other hand, who between Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils will be the first Frenchman to advance to the summit clash since Cedric Pioline won in 2000?
Here we take a look at the second semi-final which is the all-French clash between Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils:
There is a lot at stake in this match. Both Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils will be vying for the prized berth in the Monte Carlo Masters final for the first time in their careers and a chance to become the first French finalist at the Principality in 16 years. Interestingly, the two popular French players never met on a surface other than hardcourts. And that surely makes this battle even more intriguing.
There is no doubt that shot-making will be of the highest quality in this contest as both are highly regarded for their entertaining choice of shots. It is the 29-year-old Monfils who prevailed in their most recent showdown at the 2015 Miami Masters even though the 30-year-old Tsonga leads their head-to-head record 5-2.
The flamboyant Monfils – seeded 13th – has emerged from that section of the draw that saw the exit of World No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the second round. It is definitely not a surprise that he is into the last-four as the World No. 16 has been enjoying one of the most consistent periods of his career having reached back-to-back quarter-finals at Indian Wells and Miami. He is more patient and building points with a lot of intelligence which is why he has been able to back up his 2015 Monte Carlo semi-final run.
But for all the commendable effort he has been putting, he needs to be wary of his compatriot Tsonga, who too has been impressive. The former Australian Open runner-up has had to fight through tough sets in each of his three matches at Monaco this year, but what stands out is how he has been able to hold his nerves at crucial junctures.
It was thoroughly evident from the way the eighth seed managed to claw his way back and defeat Roger Federer 3-6, 6-2, 7-5 in their last-eight showdown. Even though both the Frenchmen have made it as far as the semis on clay at their home Slam, Tsonga has played in more elite matches throughout his career and that could be an added advantage for him when push comes to shove.
Monte Carlo Masters Semi Final: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs Gael Monfils Match Details
TV Channel: Ten 1
Match date: 16 April 2016, Saturday
Match time: 7 pm IST
Match Venue: Monte Carlo Country Club
Live streaming: http://www.tensports.com/tennis
Key Stats
- They have faced each other 7 times in ATP history.
Tsonga has won 5 out of the 7 matches between them.
Monfils has won the other two.
