ATP Mubadala Citi Open Round 2: Gael Monfils wins second tour-level win of season

Posted : 01 August 2023

Gael Monfils, the former World No. 6, secured just his second tour-level win of the season and his first since Roland Garros by defeating American Bjorn Fratangelo 6-3, 6-4 in the first round of the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington, D.C.

Using his speed and athleticism, the 36-year-old Frenchman positioned himself deep behind the baseline, constructing a defensive wall that proved impenetrable for the 30-year-old Pittsburgh native making his 2023 main-draw tour-level debut. Monfils showcased his flair with two signature slam-dunk smashes on his way to his 527th match win.

Ranked No. 323 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, Monfils needed a wild card to enter the main draw. He had withdrawn from the second round of his home Grand Slam due to a left wrist injury and returned to action last week in Atlanta, making this victory in Washington a positive sign of his comeback.

"It's great to be back in Washington. I love the support here. I started strong and it's another good match under my belt," said Monfils, who received a post-match congratulatory kiss from his wife, WTA Tour star Elina Svitolina, who also secured a win on the same day.

"It's a good night for both of us, and hopefully we can keep it going this week."

Monfils will now face fellow showman, Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik, in the next round. Over his impressive career, Monfils has reached at least one ATP final for 18 straight seasons (2005-22) and has claimed 11 titles.

In other matches, former finalist Mackenzie McDonald defeated Diego Schwartzman 6-3, 6-3, securing his first win in three career meetings with the World No. 95. McDonald demonstrated a strong serving performance, saving the lone break point he faced and converting three out of nine opportunities on Schwartzman's serve.

Michael Mmoh improved his 2023 win-loss record to a positive 8-7 by defeating fellow American qualifier Bradley Klahn 6-3, 6-3. Klahn was seeking his first tour-level win since the 2019 US Open.

China's rising 18-year-old lefty Shang Juncheng continued his good form, winning his opening-round match for the second consecutive week (after Atlanta) with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Ecuador's Emilio Gomez. Shang displayed solid baseline play, winning 60 percent of points on his second serve.

ATP Mubadala Citi Open Round 2: Gael Monfils wins second tour-level win of season

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