Davis Cup Final, France

Rubber 2, Day 1: [CR2] Roger Federer (SUI) vs. [CR19] Gael Monfils (FRA)

The influence of your country, that is what makes Davis Cup special.  Some players rise to the occasion, buoyed by the will of a nation wanting their success.  Monfils rose to the occasion today, staying focused and playing intelligent tennis, he had Federer looking slow and confused.

Monfils went for his shots aggressively, yet he also used finesse to throw Federer completely off his game.  Maybe Federer’s back was not fully healed; however, all credit to Monfils for keeping his eyes clearly focused on his objective, winning his rubber.

The French team can breathe a little easier thanks to his efforts.  By beating Federer 6-1, 6-4, 6-3, Monfils accomplished what he has not been able to do since 2013 and what he has never done on clay.  Monfils ties things up nicely for his team, allowing the doubles team to come out tomorrow a bit more relaxed.