Monfils on receiving crowd support during victory over Shapovalov: 'I think people love me because I play with my heart, I fight'

The crowd were very much behind him throughout with Monfils emotional by the end of play with the tie lasting three hours and 35 minutes.

He spoke afterwards and said that he believes fans like him due to the fact he plays with heart and that he fights until the end.

The Frenchman added that for him he loves the energy at Flushing Meadows and that he's happy playing there.

“I think people love me because I play with my heart. I fight. It’s always something special with me,” Monfils said. “You never know how and what I can do on the court. I think that's why the people like that, a little bit [of] mystery part of me.

“I like the way I am now. I like the way the crowd is behind me. I love the energy here. I'm happy.”