Gael Monfils and Viktor Troicki could be set for a marathon quarter-final clash in Doha on Thursday night.
Character building is probably the way to best describe Monfils' second round epic at the Qatar Open. The clock may have been creeping past midnight as Monfils and Ben Becker matched each other shot for shot in a hugely entertaining battle but no one was leaving.
Becker lived and ultimately died by his forehand while Monfils tossed himself around the centre court with reckless abandon, chasing down the German's searching groundstrokes and after squandering 17 break points and numerous match points, the Frenchman eventually prevailed 7-5, 4-6, 7-5.
I learned a lot from this match,” Monfils said afterwards. “Conditions were a bit tough, cold and windy, and I think I showed a strong mind tonight so I’m very happy with this win.”
However will he have anything left for fifth seed Troicki in the quarters ? We hope so as the last time these two took to the court, they contested a thrilling three setter at the Canadian Masters last summer which Monfils took 3-6, 7-6(0), 7-6(5).
Troicki is a good pick to get his revenge on Thursday night as he's looked far more impressive this week, winning both his matches in straight sets.
