Frenchman Gael Motfils lost for the second time in two games at the Barclays ATP World Finals in London to see his chance of advancing to the next round greatly reduced.
His latest defeat came against Austrian Dominic Thiem by a score of 6-3,1-6, 6-4 after losing his first encounter against Canadian Milos Raonic in straight sets 6-3,-6-4.
In a match that faced two players who had lost their first game (Thiem had previously lost against Novak Djokovic) Montfils shockingly made three double faults and practically surrendered the first set.
Montfils rebounded in the second set, but he could not hold on and was visibly tired in the final set where he made more mistakes and lost despite a huge effort.
After a long season both players did not reach this tournament in top condition and the fatigue made them incur in unforced errors, however their desire and competitiveness also allowed the crowd to enjoy some spectacular points.
With this result, if Djokovic defeats Raonic in their next encounter Montfils will be mathematically eliminated.
This is the first time Montfils takes part in the World Finals, after overcoming a rib injury.
Meanwhile Andy Murray debuted as world number 1 by defeating Croat Marin Cilic 6-2, 6-3 in a game where he dominated from start to finish and made some great defensive plays. In another game Japan’s Kei Nishikori won against Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka 6-2, 6-3.
Up next for Murray is Nishikori who managed to defeat Murray in the semifinals of the last US Open. Whoever wins will earn a place in the semifinals of the London tournament that faces the eight best tennis players of the world.
Murray is trying to win the ATP World Finals for the first time in his career, a tournament that has most recently been dominated by Djokovic and Roger Federer. If Murray has a better tournament than Djokovic he will keep his ranking as world number 1, otherwise the Croatian player may get it back.
