| BACKGROUND |
| Gael Monfils only decided at the last minute to play in the French Open, having recovered from a knee injury that kept him out for much of the clay-court season. What an inspired decision that turned out to be, as the Frenchman has gone about thrilling the home fans on his favourite surface. | Winner of 13 Grand Slams, Roger Federer is in search of the one title that has eluded him for so long. The elimination of Rafael Nadal, the man who snatched away his hopes in three consecutive finals, has surely brought that dream closer to realisation, but Roger still needs to avoid any upsets, starting with this quarter-final against the flying Frenchman. |
| CURRENT FORM |
| Although still bothered by his knee, Gael Monfils has been playing some of the best tennis this past week. He only lost one set against Melzer in the third round, and followed that with a three-set sweep of Roddick in the fourth. | Federer may have defeated his biggest rival Nadal in the Madrid final this season, but he has not been impressive so far at the French. He dropped a set in his matches against Jose Acasuso and Paul-Henri Mathieu. Against Tommy Haas, the Swiss found it even harder, and needed to come back from two sets down before turning things around late in the third. |
| STRENGTHS |
| An incredible athlete, Gael Monfils really shines on clay. Tough, quick and agile, “Sliderman” covers the ground like no one else can on the red dirt. The 22 year old also possesses a destructive first serve and a giant forehand. Not to mention some beautiful drop-shots. | The Swiss colossus knows how to switch between attack and defence with blistering speed. His stamina as well as the strength of his mental game can give him the upper hand. |
| TACTICS |
| “La Monf” will have to continue to play through the pain of his inflamed left knee. If his injury bothers him too much, the Frenchman will have a hard time imposing himself against Federer. But if he can rise above the pain, his service, forehand and defence will be considerable weapons. | Roger Federer has had some struggles in his early matches at Roland Garros this year. The No2 seed has at times appeared to be tense and under stress. Lapses in focus could cost him in a match against Gael Monfils. |
| HEAD-TO-HEAD |
| Gael Monfils has never defeated Roger Federer. The two met last year in the 2008 semi-final of the French when the Paris-born player lost in four sets. This time he will be out for revenge. | Victorious in each of their four encounters, Roger Federer has only ever lost one set to Monfils, in the 2008 semi-final at Roland Garros. In this quarter-final, the Fed will be focused on eliminating the Frenchman who stands between him and his elusive Grand Slam. |
Gael Monfils
Roger Federer
