Gael Monfils becomes second oldest after Roger Federer to reach fourth round of ATP Shanghai Masters

Gael Monfils will face Carlos Alacaraz in fourth round of Shanghai Masters 2024.

The third round of ATP Shanghai Masters 2024 witnessed Gael Monfils overcome Ugo Humbert. By entering the fourth round in Shanghai, Monfils has become the second oldest player to accomplish the feat at the age of 38 years, 1 month and seven days. The oldest player to reach the fourth round in Shanghai is Roger Federer in 2019 when he was 38 years, 2 months, 2 days old.

While Federer reached the quarter-finals and lost to Alexander Zverev, Monfils had lost in the third round against Hubert Hurkacz five years ago. But this time the Frenchmen defeated fellow countryman Humbert to reach the fourth round for the fourth time in his career. His hopes of booking a quarter-final for the second time in Shanghai looks tough as Carlos Alcaraz will be his next opponent.

At 38 years old, Gael Monfils becomes the 2nd oldest man to reach the Round of 16 in Shanghai after Roger Federer (2019). Massive La Monf. 🇫🇷❤️🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/vTK8By2IIQ

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 8, 2024

The 2013 season saw Monfils reaching the quarter-finals in Shanghai for the first time. He defeated Federer in the fourth round in three sets but went to lose against Novak Djokovic after winning the opening set in a tie-breaker. This time the French veteran has shown consistency in Shanghai.

Monfils has been playing extremely well so far in Shanghai. His volleys have been efficient in the hardcourts and also has been consistent with his first serve. The world No #46 needs to bring in more firepower in the upcoming fourth round clash against Alcaraz. It will be their first meeting at the event as the Spaniard is aiming to enter the quarter-finals for the first time in his second outing at Shanghai.

Also Read: Novak Djokovic’s projected path to ATP Shanghai Masters 2024 final

Gael Monfils sets up fourth round clash against Carlos Alcaraz in ATP Shanghai Masters 2024

It will be the fourth tour meeting between Monfils and Alcaraz as they lock horns in the fourth round in Shanghai. The pair has only faced each other in ATP Masters 1000 so far. The 38-year-old had won the battle last time in the third round of Cincinnati Masters in August. Monfils blasted 30 winners and 15 aces to stun Alcaraz.

But their first two meetings saw Alcaraz emerge victorious in straight sets. The 21-year-old has taken the opening set in their first three meetings as Monfils is yet to secure a good start in their meetings. The shortest match between the duo yet has been in Miami Masters in March where Monfils lost in an hour and 14 minutes.

At the Cincinnati Masters this year, Monfils defeated Alcaraz in two hours and 30 minutes. While the match duration in Shanghai is uncertain, fans will definitely be entertained by high speed groundstrokes and moments of skillful court coverage. In 2022 at Indian Wells, Monfils struck a forehand against Alcaraz which was timed at 199 km/hour. It was their first meeting on the tour and it certainly delivered.

SUPER. SONIC 😲A 124 mph / 199 kmh (!) forehand from @Gael_Monfils!#IndianWells pic.twitter.com/QB6XnKD3of

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 17, 2022

Alcaraz is favoured to win the encounter against Monfils but will need to keep up his current form during the match. The China Open winner is expected to have a good start and win the opening set as usual. Monfils on the other hand has always failed to be consistent when the stakes are high but his game is unpredictable and Alcaraz will be eager to not give any chances. The winner of their fourth round clash could face Tommy Paul or Tommy Machac in the quarter-finals.

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