MATCH REPORT | 2024 Shanghai Masters: Carlos Alcaraz banishes Cincinnati ghosts with Monfils win

Carlos Alcaraz faced in the fourth round of the Shanghai Masters against Gael Monfils, his executioner in Cincinnati, who on this occasion had no option against the world number 2 (6-4/7-5).

The first set was decided by small details with both players very strong with their serves. Alcaraz took one of the two break points he had in his favor and saved the only one he had against him. That was enough to close the first set;

With 2-2 on the scoreboard in the second set, Monfils started to make some mistakes and Carlitos had the first break point of the set. However, the French veteran's best serve came back, he saved his serve and took a 3-2 lead. After that opportunity, Gael continued very strong with his serve trying to close his points quickly to not let him play to a Carlos that as soon as he could ball a little he took the points.

In that decisive game Monfils equalized a 40-0 and Carlos sent a forehand to the line on the outside and a volley to save a dangerous situation created by a Monfils who had rested the whole set to arrive with strength to the decisive straight.

It seemed that Monfils had secured the tie break of the second set, but Carlitos came back from 40-0 down and had his second break point of the set. Gael saved a couple of them, but the dynamics of the duel as soon as the ball was put was in favor of the world number 2, who ended up taking advantage of his third break point to get 6-5 and serve. He did not fail and got into the quarterfinals.

There is no doubt that, after having a bad time in the American tour, Alcaraz is playing at a great level in this end of season between Davis Cup, Laver Cup, Beijing and now Shanghai. We will see if he is able to win his second consecutive tournament in China. He is already in the quarterfinals.