USA Today via Reuters
Aug 11, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Gael Monfils of France celebrates a win over John Millman of Australia (not pictured) at Aviva Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Aug 11, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Gael Monfils of France celebrates a win over John Millman of Australia (not pictured) at Aviva Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
After the Canadian Open quarterfinals, Gael Monfils has continued on his winning run, reaching the third round of the Cincinnati Open 2021. He upset the 14th seed Alex De Minaur 6-3, 7-5 in one hour and 45 minutes in the second round.
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At the same time, the Frenchman also registered his 500th ATP Tour-level win, joining the elite club with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and others. It was a memorable win for Monfils, indeed.
Since February 2020, the former World No.6 struggled to find his form on the Tour. However, things are starting to turn around for Monfils in the 2021 US Open Series.
Gael Monfils joins Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and others in the 500-win club
Earlier this year, Spaniard Feliciano Lopez became the 10th active player to obtain 500 match wins. Now, Gael Monfils has followed him to take the 11th spot.
USA Today via Reuters
Aug 13, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Gael Monfils of France plays a shot against John Isner of the United States during the quarter finals of the National Bank Open at Aviva Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Notably, the Frenchman is only one victory away from equaling Lopez, who is at 501. Hence, Monfils can enter the Top 10 active players with the most wins on the Tour in Cincinnati Open.
Monfils is the 11th active player to reach the 500 wins
Federer – 1251
Nadal – 1028
Djokovic – 972
Murray – 681
Gasquet – 560
Verdasco – 554
Cilic – 538
Wawrinka – 533
Robredo – 533
Lopez – 501
Monfils – 500— José Morgado (@josemorgado) August 19, 2021
Unsurprisingly, only 20 Grand Slam winners Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal belong in the 1000-wins club. Even there, the new 20 majors champion, Novak Djokovic, is chasing their record at 972.
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LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 21: (L-R) Andy Murray of Great Britain, Novak Djokovic of Siberia, Roger Federer of Switzerland and Rafael Nadal of Spain attend a ceremony for Carlos Moya’s retirement during the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at O2 Arena on November 21, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Once considered one of the four best players on the Tour, Andy Murray stands at 681. Following the Scot, Richard Gasquet, Fernando Verdasco, Marin Cilic, Stan Wawrinka, and Tommy Robredo fill the spots. It is most unlikely for any one of them to close the gap between them and the big three.
Are Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic going to play US Open 2021?
Only recently, the Swiss maestro announced that he is taking an indefinite break from tennis. During this time, he will undergo a third surgery on his leg and miss the US Open 2021.
As for Nadal, he is yet to confirm his participation. Conversely, Djokovic has already begun his training for the American Grand Slam.
Also Read: With Foot Injury Complications, Will Rafael Nadal Play at the US Open 2021?
Most significantly, the Serbian World No.1 aims to enter tennis history, winning all four Grand Slams in 2021. Since the defending champion, Dominic Thiem, has also withdrawn, the path might clear itself for Djokovic.
Do you think Djokovic will complete the Calendar Grand Slam in New York?
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