The Joy of Tennis By Cheryl Jones

Written by: Staff on 13th June 2013

The Joy of Tennis By Cheryl Jones |

Gael Monfils has never seemed sure of himself playing on grass. Wednesday, he may have had a change of heart. The flamboyant Frenchman, who once donned a hooded black robe to traverse the grounds of Roland Garros arriving incognito for his matches, had a moment of joy as he defeated Jan Hernych of the Czech Republic. Late in the second set, after it seemed the match was in the bag, he did a little dance or perhaps it was a series of leaps that just seemed like a dance. That dance might have propelled him onward toward his first win in the competition at the Gerry Weber Open in 2013. The match ended with a lopsided score of 6-2, 6-3 and he was genuinely jubilant in his after-match interview. When I asked what that little dance was all about, he simply said, “I was happy.” And he should have been.

The last time he competed in Halle was in 2011. Monfils played as far as the semifinals where the eventual champion, Philipp Kohlschreiber sent him elsewhere to further hone his grass court skills before he crossed the channel to head to Wimbledon. (That Sunday, the contest was a match up specifically packaged for the home crowd. Kohlschreiber defeated Philipp Petzsch to win the first ever all German final.) At Wimbledon that year, Monfils advanced to the Third Round. It wasn’t a desired outcome for the now 26 year-old, who was born in Paris, but now lives in Trelex, Switzerland, near the border with France.

This year, Monfils may have turned over a new leaf. He may have his dance card filled, but it’s something new. Even though he is a young man, he’s been around tennis for most of his young life. He is a talented athlete who had so much ability that if he hadn’t become a tennis professional, he might have been talented enough to compete in the Olympics as a 100 meter specialist. There is more though. He is a very good basketball player and once dreamed of playing in the NBA. It is certain that he made the best choice. He loves tennis, and theatrics aside, he is good. Actually his theatrics are a welcome respite from a game that is often staid and often decidedly predictable.

His 6’4” height is an advantage in tennis, where most players are of average height, save John Isner and several others who top 6’9”. Monfils is lightening fast, and often players are left trying to just keep up with him, let alone impact his skill on the court. Some do and in the past youthful impatience has gotten the better of Monfils, as he can become sulky and uncommunicative. Wednesday in Halle, that wasn’t an issue. He seemed as if he genuinely enjoyed the match and was chatty and funny when he sat down for a few minutes soon after he left the court. He will await the winner of a featured late match on Thursday, between former GWO champion Tommy Haas (a 35-year-old US citizen who still plays as a German), and Latvian, Ernests Gulbis. Monfils might have more of a challenge with his next opponent, no matter who it turns out to be. It might not be the romp that Wednesday’s match was. But it does look as if he is having fun and playing some top-notch tennis. (The latest word is that he withdrew from competition at Wimbledon for personal reasons.)

Haas at 35 may be the oldest singles competitor with a ranking in the top 100. The ATP lists him at Number 12 this week. He has been on the tour since 1996. His Thursday opponent, Gulbis is ranked 38th. He has been on the circuit since 2004, and he was only 8-years-old when Haas’ career began. In a typical youth versus experience match, most would choose youth with some reservations. That may not be the way to go with this contest. Haas looked strong at Roland Garros and impressed spectators and opponents alike with his stamina and his strong and solid play.

Roger Federer rolled to another victory Wednesday evening in Halle. The evening match had Federer playing what I might call “steady” tennis. His German opponent, Cedrik-Marcel Stebe had trouble returning balls that were hit to his forehand. Federer said that he had noticed that right away and continued to chip away at Stebe’s confidence. Soon the match was finished, 6-3, 6-3 and the Swiss maestro was planning for his next match that will pit him against another German, Mischa Zverev, yet another home country wildcard entry.

In Paris, Federer met a good many French players on his way to the quarterfinals, where he lost to who else but a Frenchman, Jo-Wilifried Tsonga. He said that he was unhappy with his performance in then, but he was happy that his next opponent in Halle plays what he called a “classic grass court” game. Federer shouldn’t have many issues with that match, but it could be beautiful for all the classic tennis lovers to watch. It will be a treat to see a contest that doesn’t take place exclusively from the baseline. Fans will be anticipating a match of beauty and not so much of the slam it from the baseline power.

Before that competition begins on Friday, Thursday’s matches will be the center of attention in Halle. The kickoff match of the day begins at Noon. It will be a full day of tennis, rain or shine. The roof may be utilized but there won’t be a lull in the excitement from the appreciative crowd that always ends up filling every seat. Until Sunday’s final, there will certainly be more tennis to come.