Roland-Garros: Gaël Monfils loses against Lorenzo Musetti in the second round of Roland-Garros but will return for the Olympic Games

It's over for Monfils. MAXPPP – CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON

Gaël Monfils, 37th in the world, was eliminated in the second round of Roland-Garros, Thursday May 30 in a night session, falling against someone stronger than him in the person of the Italian Lorenzo Musetti (30th), winner 7- 5, 6-1, 6-4.

The 37-year-old Frenchman may have some regrets about the first round. He actually broke to lead 4-2, before coming back, then a second time to find himself three points from the set at 5-4.

But, suddenly let down by his serve, he ended up breaking down, almost giving Musetti the next three games.

The Italian, 15 years younger, clay court specialist, capable in particular of beating Carlos Alcaraz in the final of the Hamburg tournament in 2022, further accelerated the pace subsequently, pocketing the second round very easily, well helped by the Parisian who made numerous unforced errors.

He will return to Porte d'Auteuil

Supported by the audience at Philippe-Chatrier, Monfils did his best and showed his best in the third set, proving that he was still capable of strokes of genius like this hidden backhand drop at the last moment, which petrified Musetti.

But it was only illusory, defeat looming very quickly, once he conceded a final break at 5-4, immediately confirmed by his opponent. The Italian will have a lot to do to try to reach the 1/8 finals, since he will be pitted against world No.1 and defending champion Novak Djokovic.

Assured to be among the four best French people in the ranking published the day after the final of this Roland-Garros, Gaël Monfils has, in any case, succeeded in his bet and will represent France well at the Olympic Games… At Porte d'Auteuil.