French veteran Gaël Monfils (37) was dominated by Norwegian world No.9 Casper Ruud 3-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 in the round of 16 of the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells (California). , United States) Wednesday.
There are therefore no more French players left in the men’s singles table. The last Frenchwoman in the running, Diane Parry later played her round of 16 against the Greek Maria Sakkari.
Relying on a formidable serve (6 aces, 72% first serves), Monfils dominated the first set, breaking Ruud on his first opportunity, at 3-2.
Under a blazing sun in the Californian desert, he saved three break points in the second set at 4-3 for his opponent, pushed to the decisive game where Ruud quickly pulled away.
With less and less dangerous strikes, Monfils was controlled in the last round by the Norwegian, for whom a quick break was enough in this final set.
The Frenchman, currently 54th in the ATP rankings, will be at worst 48th in the world on Monday before attacking the Masters 1000 in Miami (Florida, United States).
Ruud will face Thursday in the quarterfinals at Indian Wells either the American Tommy Paul (17th in the world) or the Italian Luca Nardi (123rd), surprise knockout of world No.1 Novak Djokovic on Monday.