The French Gael Monfilsrival of Carlos Alcaraz in the round of 16 of Shanghai Masters 1000ensured that the number two in the world has a “99% chance” of winning the duel in which they will star.
“Sincerely, “I think (Alcaraz) will have a 99% chance (of winning), but I will have that 1% and I will go and enjoy it.”indicated the French tennis player in media statements after defeating his compatriot Ugo Humbert (7-6 (7), 2-6, 6-1).
Alcaraz has a favorable balance against Monfils, with 2 wins and a loss, but the latter occurred in the last meeting of the two, in the round of 32 of the Masters 1,000 in Cincinnati.
Asked about the possibility of repeating the victory against the Murcian, Monfils ruled it out: “No, I think he will beat me, he will crush me 100%.. “I think I was very lucky last time (…), it wasn’t a good game for him and it was a good one for me.”
“His level is unbelievable. I don’t want to degrade myself but he is a legend in the making. I think he has a crush on me, but I will do everything to make it not easy for him. (…) It’s not like I’m going out on the field with that attitude because I have experience, but I can tell the truth: this kid is different,” said the veteran athlete.
Monfils, 38 years old and currently ranked 46th in the world, admitted himself “happy” to be able to continue competing against great players: “The game against Alcaraz will be very difficult, it’s one of those games you always want to play. At this point in my career (…) it is an honor for me to be able to face him again.”
Alcaraz, who last year fell exactly in the round of 16 of this tournament against Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, defeated local players in the first two rounds: first, Shang Juncheng (6-2, 6- 2), and then, to Wu Yibing (7-6 (5), 6-3).
Source: La Verdad
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