Gael Monfils fears Carlos Alcaraz will “crush” him in Shanghai as they meet for the first time after Cincinnati Open

Gael Monfils feels that he was fortunate to beat Carlos Alcaraz in Cincinnati ahead of their clash at the Shanghai Masters.

Gael Monfils fears Carlos Alcaraz will “crush” him in Shanghai as they meet for the first time after Cincinnati Open

Carlos Alcaraz, Gael Monfils (Images via ATP Tour)

ATP veteran Gael Monfils is not confident about his chances against Carlos Alcaraz in his fourth-round clash at the 2024 Shanghai Masters. Despite beating Alcaraz in Cincinnati, Monfils is worried that the World No. 2 will crush him when they play each other for a place in the quarterfinal.

The Frenchman defeated Alcaraz 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 in the second round of the Cincinnati Masters. It was the first win he registered against Alcaraz. In the previous two meetings at the 2024 Miami Open and the 2023 Indian Wells, Alcaraz had toppled Monfils in straight sets.

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The 38-year-old feels that he does not stand a chance against the Spaniard. When asked about his matchup against Alcaraz in Shanghai, Monfils said that he was expecting the four-time Grand Slam champion to crush him.

No, I think he’s going to beat me, he’s going to crush me 100% . I think I was very lucky last time (…), it wasn’t a good match for him but it was for me. His level is incredible. I don’t want to degrade myself but he is a legend in the making. I think he will crush me, but I will do everything possible not to make it too easy for him.

Gael Monfils said (H/T: Mundo Deportivo)

While Monfils feels that there is a 99% chance of Alcaraz winning, he said he was ready to fight for that 1% chance that he stands against one of the best players in the world right now.

Gael Monfils feels honored to face Carlos Alcaraz in Shanghai

Gael Monfils further expressed his respect for Carlos Alcaraz. The ATP veteran said that it was an honor for him to be playing against the Spaniard once again. Despite knowing that it will be a tough match, Monfils is excited to play against the former World No. 1.

Carlos Alcaraz and Gael Monfils
Carlos Alcaraz and Gael Monfils (Image via Imago)

The match against Alcaraz is going to be very tough, it’s one of those matches that I always like to play. At this stage of my career (…) for me it is an honor to be able to face him again.

Gael Monfils said

The 12-time tour-level champion did exceedingly well in his match against compatriot Ugo Humbert in the third round. Monfils beat Humbert 7-6(9-7), 2-6, 6-1. Before that, he beat Sebastian Baez 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 in the second round while the Frenchman opened his campaign with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Damir Dzumhur.

Monfils now has to face Alcaraz in the fourth round. The 21-year-old has beaten local players in his first two rounds, registering a 6-2, 6-2 against Shang Juncheng and beating Wu Yibing 7-6 (5), 6-3.