Longest French Open match between Gael Monfils and Fabio Fognini lasted for two days
Frenchman Gael Monfils took his leave from the French Open after losing his second round match with Italy’s Fabio Fognini.
A local favorite, Monfils dropped his set following a trailing lost thriller 2-6, 4-6, 7-5, 6-4, 9-7. The match between Monfils and Fognini dragged on for two days due to rain showers.
The match between Monfils and Fognini concluded in controversy just like other matches when players were forced to play in the dark.
Mofils, who was 13th, seeded, was able to give himself three match points prior to the suspension of the match because of lighting issues.
During the 5-5 point of the fifth set, darkness covered the Roland Garros, rendering a challenging and heated match.
Spectators at the French Open were not too pleased when Fognini returned to the court for a mere half an hour and a minute. Nonetheless the Italian endured the pressure from the crowd to initiate his first game serve and get a break point.
Fognini pushed for a turnaround as he trampled over a love-40 disadvantage in the 16th game. It was the last for the set with Monfils.
Despite his loss, Monfils commended Fognini for his performance in their second round match. He further expressed that although the condition on the day of their match was strange, Fognini had a better play.
This was a complete contradiction from the tensed atmosphere the two players gave out prior to the suspension of their game around 10 pm.
Although Monfils was a previous contender in the semifinals of the French Open, his service match failed him, 5- 3. The tensed atmosphere started before the ninth game of the fifth set started. Fognini voiced out his unwillingness to play due to the lighting issue. A point was deducted from Fognini.
During the 4-4 of the fifth set, tournament officials consulted the players whether they would continue with the game or suspend it until lighting conditions have become ideal. Fognini’s reply was that he still wanted to play.
Mofils further quoted that the Italian agreed to continue the game just as he did. Although it was difficult to see anything beyond the darkness, Monfils expressed that their match continued due to both player’s desire to finally conclude the second round program.
However, in between deciding the progression of the game, Fognini withdrew his initial agreement. While Fognini discussed matters with the officials, he was evidently dissatisfied with the decision to continue the game. His continuous opposition cost him a point while Monfils gained one.
The conditions simply made it hard for the players to push through though in the end, the match progressed up to its conclusion. Fognini managed to get three match points, 5-4. However he was not able to convert any and continued to bicker with the umpire.
Afterwards, the Italian expressed his regret for behaving the way he did in the match. As mentioned, it was during the -4-4 of the last set where tempers flared.
Fognini provided an explanation as to what triggered his impolite tirade in Italian. During the 5-4, 15-40 of the second round program, Fognini had to put up with a laser pointer directed towards his position.
Fognini had a 0-win track record at the French Open before he downed Monfils. Although Monfils already bowed out of the Roland Garros, he is set to continue his title bid in Wimbledon.
Wimbledon Hopes
Monfils is expected to participate in the Wimbledon Open in June after not playing in the past two years due to various injuries.
Monfils, who reached as high as 9th in the world rankings, look to better his third round performance in 2007 on the grass of the All-England Court.
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