Djokovic Handles Monfils for 2nd 2017 Title at ATP Eastbourne

by Staff | July 1st, 2017, 2:16 pm
  • 16 Comments

Novak Djokovic received a needed boost of confidence on Saturday when he captured the Aegon International Eastbourne title with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Frenchman Gael Monfils.
ADHEREL
“Obviously it feels right, looking back on the decision-making process and whether or not I should come here, now it feels like it was a good decision,” said the Serb after capturing his second title of 2017, and first since January. “But also a few days ago it felt right because I had a lot of time spent on the court, some good match play.”

Djokovic wasted no time in the final, breaking serve in the opening game, and saved all three break points he face in the contest.

Monfils fell to 0-14 career against Djokovic.


At this point last year the Serb had won six titles, including the first two slams of the year and three Masters 1000 events. Djokovic is now 68-30 in career finals, and Monfils 6-20 after his first final of the year.

“Obviously in the first set he served very good,” Monfils said. “It was very tough to handle his first serve. I had some opportunities, and he had a bit of luck and managed it very good. I think I played a tough match.”


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16 Comments for Djokovic Handles Monfils for 2nd 2017 Title at ATP Eastbourne

rognadfan Says:

Glad la Monf, didn’t resort to the “us open tactic”. That woulda inspire Nole, should he reach the wimbledon and stan made it to final as well ;). Just kidding Nole fans!
Well done Nole. He will be a force no matter what!.
just made more interesting the coming two weeks.

July 1st, 2017 at 9:12 pm


skeezer Says:

Monfils has done what? We need Truth here to compare him against Roddick.

July 1st, 2017 at 11:29 pm


Margot Says:

Noooo Skeeze, just nooooo!

July 2nd, 2017 at 12:49 am


skeezer Says:

Lol Margot you know where I was headed. Ok, I digress…;)

July 2nd, 2017 at 1:05 am


Margot Says:

Lol Kath, but we always knew Andy is a magician…;)
Guess they had to be “official” about the news before it got leaked. Hence timing.

July 2nd, 2017 at 6:54 am


J-Kath Says:

Margot:

Let’s hope it will motivate Andy to get thru his match tomorrow in a quick, WINNING, 3 sets.

July 2nd, 2017 at 8:06 am


chrisford1 Says:

Andy. Following once again in Djokovic’s footsteps. Djokovic has kid #2 on the way, now Andy and his family do as well. Following, lagging in most measures – except with something big Andy did Novak likely never will- those 2 big f-ing Olympic Gold Medals!!

July 2nd, 2017 at 8:20 am


Margot Says:

Ahem, ahem…following in Murray’s footsteps Djokovic hired a past grand slam champ as his new coach.

July 2nd, 2017 at 9:12 am


J-Kath Says:

This is an excerpt from ESPN to “the other Swiss Guy”
Below is verbatim:

This Swiss guy grew tired of hearing questions about that other Swiss guy, Federer. Enough is enough, Stan said.

“[His Australian Open run] was amazing. We can talk more about Roger, if you want, but I’m a bit tired. It’s been 10 years you ask me questions about Roger.”

Any grass-court improvements you want to make this year at Wimbledon, Wawrinka?

“Not really.” ENDS

July 2nd, 2017 at 1:06 pm


Giles Says:

Trick question – who’s got more hair, Lubijic or Agassi?

July 2nd, 2017 at 2:01 pm


chrisford1 Says:

Trick question, Giles – Who has more hair, Andy or Rafa?
ANS: Rafa, easily. (counting his new hair plugs).

J-Kath – Andy got the ball rolling with Lendl. Then Nole got Becker. I think Becker contributed strongly to Novak’s Grand Slam and putting Djokovic solidly in Rafa and Federer’s company as a true Legend. Lendl was instrumental in strengthening Andy mentally, making Andy a 1st ballot shoo-in for the Hall of Fame and a statue alongside Fred Perry, and getting Andy’s name changed to “Sir Andy”. Initially I thought it was a gimmick, but Andy and Novak have benefited from a fellow champion pointing out areas they need improving in, and it’s hard to whine at them.

July 2nd, 2017 at 4:25 pm


chrisford1 Says:

Oops, Margot..

J-Kath shared that very funny Stan moment, you had the point Andy preceded Novak in getting a celeb coach. Andy of course, initiated having a female coach as well, but I think it will be a long while before another top ATP player follows suite. Not that Amelie is bad by any means – but some aspects of the way men play is very different than the gals..and of course there are less females available to be coaches due to the straight players raising families when they retire. And honestly, the WTA needs them coaching there more than the ATP needs them.

BTW, I’m glad Vika is back. Woman’s tennis is finally looking like it is ready to move past the 20 year long Williams era. And needs a new generation to take over far more than the men do. Vika and players like Pliskova, Halep, Gabby are not exactly “young guns”, but are far younger than the Sistas.

July 2nd, 2017 at 4:42 pm


madmax Says:

Congratulations to Novak. Super super for his confidence. Must be feeling really positive. Right up there with the potential win at Wimbledon.

July 3rd, 2017 at 6:25 am


madmax Says:

J-Kath. Absolutely. Stan must be sick to the teeth of those questions about Roger. Par for the course I guess, he has done so well to keep it together. He is brilliant in his own right. The best one handed back hand in the business. Irony is, this question was asked of Roger.

‘Who has the best one handed back hand in tennis?’.

Federer: Stan!

Simple!

July 3rd, 2017 at 6:27 am


J-Kath Says:

Madmax:

Yes. Yet they remain friends…but Stan must still be sorely irked…comparisons stink —-a bit like living with a prettier sister and being told: “Never mind lass, once you’re 24/25 you’ll look good too”.

Back to Pure Tennis and biting my nails and thinking about my blood pressure – may have to avoid watching Andy and do an – Elvis has left the building.

July 3rd, 2017 at 6:54 am

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