Gael Monfils joins Roger Federer on special list after reaching Shanghai Masters round of 16

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Gael Monfils is now on a special list with Roger Federer after reaching the Shanghai Masters last 16.

The Frenchman continues to defy father time by producing his trademark performances that leave crowds around the world in awe.

The veterab will always be remembered for his electrifying shotmaking and he thrives off the energy of the crowd.

This was the case on Tuesday morning when Monfils defeated compatriot and Tokyo Open runner-up Ugo Humbert to reach round four.

His efforts have booked a match against the reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion, Carlos Alcaraz.

What list is Gael Monfils now on with Roger Federer after reaching the Shanghai Masters fourth round?

Gael Monfils needed two hours and 14 minutes to claim a 7-6(7) 2-6 6-1 over Humbert in Shanghai.

As a result, he is into the fourth round at the age of 38. This makes Monfils the second oldest player to reach the last 16 at the Shanghai Masters after Roger Federer.

The Swiss Maestro was also 38 but was a month older than Monfils currently is when he reached the round of 16 in 2019.

At the time Federer defeated David Goffin 7-6, 6-4, before he lost a three-set battle to Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals.

Who will Gael Monfils face next?

Monfils will face his toughest test of the Shanghai Masters campaign so far when he takes on Alcaraz in the round of 16.

He won their last encounter at the Cincinnati Masters, but the 21-year-old has vastly improved since then and came into the Shanghai tournament having won the China Open.

Monfils is worried about facing the four-time Grand Slam champion and significantly played down his chances of beating the Spaniard for the second successive time. “I think he will beat me. He will crush me, 100%. I believe I was lucky last time. It was not a good match for him, and I had a good one. His level is incredible,” Monfils said. 

“As I say, he is becoming a legend. I imagine he will crush me. I will try everything possible not to be crushed so easily. It’s all a bonus.

“This does not mean I won’t step onto the court with the right attitude, because I already have experience, but speaking from experience, I tell you that this kid is something else.

“Honestly, there will be a 99% chance for him. It is for that 1% that you go. I will enjoy it, but as a real man, I tell you, this kid is something else.”