Gael Monfils stuns Milos Raonic in the opener – Gerry Weber Open 2013 Former world number seven, Gael Monfils, surprised everyone after trouncing the fifth seed, Milos Raonic, in straight sets at the Gerry Weber Open 2013 on Tuesday. He jolted down a 6-4, 6-2 victory against the Canadian star to book a spot in the second round at this ATP World Tour 250 series event taking place in Halle, Germany. The Frenchman re-ignited his old spark to outclass Raonic in their second meeting. The players last fought each other at the If Stockholm Open and after recording this impressive victory, Monfils maintained his winning record and improved to a 2-0 lifetime in the FedEx ATP Head 2 Head series against the Canadian star. The 26-year-old stated in a post match presser at the Gerry Weber Stadion, “Today I think I could read him good. Then I think I put pressure on him and he forced a lot. I was ready for his main spot to be covered. Then, I think he forced a lot and that helped me a lot. It’s a great tournament. It’s a great spirit. The stadium is beautiful and there’s always a good crowd. I like the German crowd. They’re into it. So, it’s good, it’s noisy. It’s the kind of stadium I like to play on. I just feel good here.” Monfils made a powerful entry at this Wimbledon warm-up tournament. He drew the first blood in the third game and jumped to a 3-1 lead. The French then held his remaining serves with conviction and clinched the opener with a 6-4 score line. Currently ranked 67th in the Emirates Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Monfils carried his rhythm in the proceeding set. He got the coveted break in the opening game and took the initial lead. The French capitalised on another break chance in the fifth game and leaped to 5-1 lead. He then slid his serve once again to bag the set with a 6-2 success. Summing up the Frenchman’s performance, Monfils produced a slightly higher first serve ratio of 66 per cent in contrast with his rival’s 64 per cent but superbly availed 26 out of 33 points on it. He committed fewer unforced errors and fired seven aces to prevail. Up next for Monfils is the Czech qualifier, Jan Hernych, who dumped the German contestant, Daniel Brands, in straight sets to set-up this meeting. The Bosnia and Herzegovinian lucky loser, Mirza Basic, will accompany Monfils in the proceeding round. He stunned seventh seeded Jerzy Janowicz in a three-set thriller to record his first tour level win.
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