Monfils Returns to Qatar Open Tennis After Two-year Gap

Doha, December 31 (QNA) - Frenchman Gael Monfils will feature in Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2012 tennis tournament after a gap of two years. He last played here in 2009 when he reached the semi-finals. This is his fifth appearance in the tournament here. Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2012 Tournament Director Karim Alami, told dohastadiumplusqatar.com, "Monfils is a crowd favourite wherever he goes. He can entertain on the court through his incredible athleticism and flair for showmanship. He has had great success here having been a semifinalist and finalist. We are honoured he is back in Doha to begin his 2012 campaign." Monfils lost in the second round in his 2005 debut, but the following year he began the year by reaching the final in Doha. He defeated Tomas Zib, Wesley Moodie, Dmitry Tursunov and FilipoVolandri before coming up against Roger Federer in the final. He lost in two tough sets. In 2007 he reached the second round. In 2009, he defeated Jan Hernych and Nicolas Devilder in order to earn a quarterfinal showdown against then world No. 1 Rafael Nadal. He defeated Nadal 6-4, 6-4 and then faced American Andy Roddick in the semifinals. It was a close three-set match that Roddick eventually won. He parted ways with Australian coach, Roger Rasheed, after Wimbledon 2011. He had success during the North American summer reaching the finals in Washington DC (lost to Radek Stepanek) and reaching back-to-back quarterfinals at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 events in Canada and Cincinnati (lost to Novak Djokovic in both). He had a strong showing after the US Open as well and won the title in Stockholm by defeating Jarkko Nieminen in the final. Monfils can be described as a defensive counter-puncher who stands far back from the baseline and retrieves every shot until he forces an error from his opponent. He is known for his agility, athleticism and his unique sliding technique, especially on clay. Though mostly a defensive player he is capable of generating significant pace on his groundstrokes. He has set the record for the fastest forehand ever hit at 120mph. (QNA)