Carlos Alcaraz will be seeking revenge over Gael Monfils in their Shanghai Masters round of 16 clash.
Alcaraz now has 50 wins in 2024 following his Shanghai Masters victory over Wu Yibing in the round of 32.
That straight sets win came after the Spanish third seed beat Shang Juncheng in straight sets in the round of 64.
But now Alcaraz faces what should be his toughest test yet at the tournament, with Monfils having beaten the Spaniard in Cincinnati.
Alcaraz labelled his Monfils loss the worst match of his career, with the Frenchman winning their Cincinnati Open round of 32 tie 4-6, 7-6(7-5), 6-4.
Gael Monfils previews rematch against China Open champion Carlos Alcaraz
Monfils has now set up a rematch thanks to his superb victory over Ugo Humbert, with the former beating his compatriot 7-6(9-7), 2-6, 6-1.
As quoted by the ATP Tour website, Monfils is preparing himself for a huge challenge, saying: “It’s never easy to play Ugo, he’s really aggressive, playing fast off both wings and takes a lot of time from you.
“Carlos is playing really well now, he’s in a confident mood [having] just won a tournament, so that’s going to be a tough one for sure.”
Carlos Alcaraz seeking revenge over Gael Monfils at Shanghai Masters
Alcaraz was undoubtedly keen to use the Cincinnati Open to prepare himself for a lengthy US Open run in New York.
He may, therefore, hold a grudge against Monfils, with the Spaniard going on to suffer a shock early exit at Flushing Meadows.
But Alcaraz has since recovered, with the four-time Grand Slam champion shining at the Laver Cup before going on to win the China Open.
READ MORE: Shanghai Masters 2024: How to watch, prize money, dates and everything you need to know
Really just getting going in his career, the 21-year-old now takes on one of the most experienced on tour in 38-year-old Monfils.
With his latest win, the latter has become the second-oldest player to reach the Shanghai Masters last 16, behind only Roger Federer.
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