Daniil Medvedev’s faller in the previous round, Gaël Monfils could not do anything this time against Carlos Alcaraz in the round of 16 of the Indian Wells Masters 1000. The Frenchman was beaten 7-5, 6-1 by the young Spaniard, who is one step away from a hypothetical half against Rafael Nadal.
But before thinking of Rafa, Alcaraz, who has become the youngest player to reach the quarterfinals of the tournament since American Michael Chang, who was 17 in 1989, will face British defending champion Cameron Norrie (12th).
Alcaraz was too strong for Monfils
Gaël Monfils fell on stronger than him, his opponent returning almost all his powerful balls, when he was not dictating the exchanges.
The meeting was tight in the first set, the difference being made in the 10th game on the service of Monfils, trapped by a cushioning perfectly carried out by Alcaraz, demonstrating there his ability to change rhythm suddenly. Break in the pocket, he confirmed, relying on his excellent first ball, with an ace and a service winner to win the set.
He had just won in 1h18 after a solo in the second set, Monfils slowing down, when he maintained the pace impressively. “It’s very special to be in the quarter of a Masters 1000 for the first time,” said the Spaniard. I’m happy with my level here. If I keep playing like this, it will be fine”.
Admiring Monfils
Impressed by the level of his young opponent, the Monf has absolutely no doubt about it. “At this stage, there is no longer any age that matters. He has his whole life ahead of him to do exceptional things and that’s what he’s going to do. What he imposed on me was too hard today. And I can only say bravo to him. Even if it’s hard. Because it also means putting your ego aside. Because hey, you want to win anyway, but the guy is tearing you up…”, blew Monfils admiringly after the meeting.