US Open

Best of 5: Five images from Berrettini's five-set QF win over Monfils

The Italian advanced into his first major semifinal at the US Open after coming out on top in a final set tiebreaker.



Best of 5: Five images from Berrettini's five-set QF win over Monfils

During the day session at the US Open on Wednesday, fans with tickets for Arthur Ashe Stadium were treated to an enthralling five-set encounter between Matteo Berrettini and Gael Monfils. Berrettini ultimately prevailed in a decisive tiebreaker, edging the Frenchman, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (5). Here are the Top 5 photos from the memorable match.

1. Monfils posted a decisive 6-3 first set against the Italian. The Frenchmen executed his game plan and stayed away from  Berrettini's powerful forehand to take an early lead.

Gael Monfils, of France, returns to Matteo Berrettini, of Italy, during the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open tennis championships Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019, in New York. (AP Photo/Sarah Stier)
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****AP Images

2. Berrettini was down a set and a break but found his groove as the quarterfinal match progressed. The Italian would claim the next two sets to take control of the clash.

Matteo Berrettini from Italy plays against Gael Monfils from France during their Men's Singles Quarterfinals match at the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on September 4, 2019. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)        (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)
© AFP/Getty Images

Getty Images

3. Monfils struggled to gain a foot hold on the baseline and didn't cope well with the humidity. Shortly before losing the third set, the roof was closed due to rain in the area. Perhaps this allowed Monfils to regain his composure in the fourth set, as he forced a decider.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 04: Gael Monfils of France falls down during his Men's Singles quarterfinal match against Matteo Berrettini of Italy on day ten of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 04, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images

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4.  The Italian appeared ready to close out the match at 5-3, but was overwhelmed by nerves. Reaching match point at 40-30, Berrettini hit his only double fault of the fifth set and soon found himself locked in a tense battle.

Matteo Berrettini from Italy reacts against Gael Monfils from France during their Men's Singles Quarterfinals match at the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on September 4, 2019. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)        (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)
© AFP/Getty Images

Getty Images

5. On his fourth match point the No. 24 seed was finally successful and edged past Monfils, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (5), to advance into his first Grand Slam semifinal. Berrettini is the first Italian man in 42 years to reach the last four at the US Open.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 04: Matteo Berrettini of Italy hugs Gael Monfils of France after winning his Men's Singles quarterfinal match  on day ten of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 04, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
© Getty Images

Getty Images

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