contentIt was dark by the local time of France when Gael Monfils showed character by the end and produced some crackling shots at Phillipe Chartier Court. After winning first two sets Monfils courageously took the 3rd and 4th set by storm but eventually it was a matter of one set which Andy Murray grasped it.
The score read 6-4, 6-1, 4-6, 1-6, 6-0. It was a sheer mental strength that won over throughout the course of the match. According to reports Murray had a better advantage as he has a high record of winning more five set matches than him. The big names in tennis predicts that Murray is going to win the tournament after taking away two five set matches. Also, Murray is showing lot of maturity and his foot seems nimble on clay.
Murray admitted that the match was tough to play against Monfils. Even the conditions were not favoring either of the players. The climate became unpredictable as the conditions were windy but in the end it became calmer. Monfils got the better of him in the third set and then took it forward. In the first two sets Murray surprised Monfils with his sheer pace and spin. By the end of two sets it almost appeared as if it will turn out to be an inevitable straight set win but it proved otherwise.
Monfils being a Frenchman had the support of the crowd but Murray tried to quieten the crowd with his variety of shots.
The match lasted for three hours and fifteen minutes. It was after the fourth set that it became dark and the referee got clear yes from both the players to continue playing for the fifth set. In the end it was the energy of Murray that kept him going.