Monfils upsets Alcaraz in Cincinnati as Sinner, Zverev, Rune reach round 16

Friday’s schedule at the Cincinnati Open featured a multitude of high level matches.

Rain on Thursday forced an even busier schedule in Mason, Ohio during Friday’s day schedule and the fans were not disappointed.

Gael Monfils earned his biggest win in more than two years on Friday at the Cincinnati Open when he stunned World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz.

Play was cancelled on Thursday night due to rain, with Alcaraz leading Monfils 6-4, 6-6(1/3). However, the Frenchman came out firing upon the resumption, remaining composed to build on his early lead in the tie-break and seal the set on his third set point.

The 37-year-old Frenchman Monfils despite a rain-delay ousted Alcaraz in the encounter after a 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 victory to capture the ninth Top 3 victory of his career.

He will return later to face 15th seed Holger Rune in the third round.

Other results on the day included top seed Jannik Sinner receiving a walkover from Jordan Thompson and Felix Auger-Aliassime defeating No. 7 seed Casper Ruud 6-3, 6-1.

Andrey Rublev continued his good form as of late by dismissing Brandon Nakashima 7-6(5), 6-1.

The Russian hit 20 winners and broke his American opponent on two occasions.

Alexander Zverev progressed after he defeated Pablo Carreno Busta 7-5, 7-6(6). The German, who made the French Open final earlier this year, faces Ben Shelton who defeated Fabian Marozsan 6-4, 6-3.

The night session will be highlighted by Frances Tiafoe against Jiri Lehecka.