Erste Bank Open: Andrey Rublev and Borna Coric sovereign, Gael Monfils has to give up
While Borna Coric and Andrey Rublev were able to confirm their dazzling form in the first round of the Erste Bank Open, Gael Monfils had to give up against Pablo Carreño Busta due to an injury.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Oct 26, 2020, 07:39 pm
By Michael Rothschädl from the Wiener Stadthalle
As long as Kevin Anderson and Dennis Novak stayed at Center Court at the Erste Bank Open , the affair between Gael Monfils and Pablo Carreño Busta went so quickly. The form curve in this duel had already spoken a very different language in advance: While the Spaniard showed great performances both at the US Open and in Roland Garros, little has come together for his French opponent since the restart of the ATP tour.
In this match, too, Monfils, who has become the crowd favorite in the Wiener Stadthalle with his attractive style of play, got a cold start and was quickly faced with a 4-0 deficit against an extremely solid Pablo Carreño Busta. The Frenchman should not recover from that in set one, the world number 11 was more than one game win. not granted in the first section - with 6: 1 the Iberian made 1: 0. Monfils, who was anything but in a playful mood, then had his neck treated, but continued for the time being. But only for now. After the Frenchman conceded the break with two double errors in the second half, Monfils gave up due to injury. This means that the 34-year-old should have no chance of participating in the 2020 ATP Finals.
St. Petersburg finalists sovereign
At the same time as the tough fight that Dennis Novak and Kevin Anderson had fought on Center Court, Borna Coric and Taylor Fritz battled each other in camera on NextGen Court. Coric, who last reached the final at the ATP 500 event in St. Petersburg, prolonged his excellent condition, broke twice at the right time and made it into the round of 16 with 6: 4 and 6: 4. Novak Djokovic could now wait in this, who will intervene in the tournament against Filip Krajinovic on Tuesday.
Another co-favorite for the title at the ATP 500 event in Vienna should step on the Center Court in the first match of the night session, which was introduced in Vienna this year due to COVID-19: Andrey Rublev. The Russian had recently won the title in two tournaments on the same level as Vienna and has been in impressive shape since the restart of the ATP tour. The 23-year-old should also prove this early in Vienna, Rublev remained flawless on his own serve - and increased the pressure on his opponent Norbert Gombos at the right moment.
Rodionov and Shapovalov conclude the game day
In the first round, Rublev should have enough a break in the second game, which he was able to transport to win the set after half an hour. In the second set, too, the Russian, who put a lot of pressure on, especially with his forehand, managed an early break. Coupled with an extremely solid performance on his own serve, this should be enough for Rublev to perfect his safe first round win after exactly one hour. The Russian could meet Dominic Thiem in a possible dream quarter-final.
"I'm very happy to be back in Vienna," said Rublev after his victory. "The good start gave me a lot of self-confidence, and in the end I was able to show a very good level." He has already had a great season, which is why he has no great expectations for the event in Vienna. "I just want to do my best, I have nothing to lose," said the Russian.
In the last match of the day, Jurij Rodionov will serve another Austrian hope at Center Court. Born in Nuremberg, he starts with the Canadian Denis Shapovalov. At the same time, Dominic Thiem and Dennis Novak are fighting on the NextGen Court for advancement in the doubles competition.