Gael Monfils expects Carlos Alcaraz to 'crush' him at Shanghai Masters and get revenge for Cincinnati Masters defeat

Gael Monfils produced a huge shock at the Cincinnati Masters in August when he beat freshly-crowned Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz in the second round. The pair will meet again at the Shanghai Masters, with Monfils predicting that a second victory over the world No. 2 is unlikely. He says Alcaraz is "something else" and that his playing level is "unbelievable".

Monfils beats Humbert to set up Alcaraz clash in Shanghai

Video credit: SNTV

Gael Monfils has played down his chances of producing another shock win against Carlos Alcaraz, saying he thinks the Spaniard will “crush” him at the Shanghai Masters.

After losing the first set of their second round clash at the Cincinnati Masters in August, Monfils stormed back to beat Alcaraz 4-6 7-6(5) 6-4.

Alcaraz smashed his racquet in frustration during the match and said it was "the worst I've ever played".

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The pair will renew acquaintances in China after Monfils, 38, saw off Ugo Humbert to become the second-oldest player to ever reach the tournament’s round of 16 - only behind Roger Federer.

World No. 2 Alcaraz dispatched Wu Yibing in straight sets to advance.

After his match, Monfils was asked about his chances of recreating his Cincinnati victory and getting past Alcaraz once more.

Wilander: Alcaraz and Sinner 'following in the footsteps of the big three'

Video credit: TNT Sports

"No, no. I think he will beat me. He will crush me 100%, you know. I think I was just lucky, as I said.

"Last time, I was very fortunate, and it was not a good match from him, and one of my good matches from me. His level is unbelievable. I have also done great myself, but he's, as I say, a coming up legend.

"So I guess he will crush me, but as I say, I will do everything to not be crushed too easy, in a way. But everything is a bonus. It's a bonus, you know.

“It's not like I come up on the court, of course, with the attitude, because I have the experience. But now I have the experience and I can talk like for real, you know, this kid is something else.

"So honestly, it's going to be a 99% chance for him. But just to get a percent, you know, so that's why you go. I'm going to enjoy myself, but as a real man I tell you, no, this kid is something else."

Monfils has already played three matches in Shanghai, beating Damir Dzumhur, Sebastian Baez and Humbert.

On the other hand, coming off last week’s China Open triumph - where he beat world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the final - Alcaraz has only had two matches at the tournament so far.

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