UTS Grand Final London 2024 Day One: Monfils in superb start with Rublev win as De Minaur eases past Rune

The opening day of the Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) Grand Final promised thrills, spills and in the case of most matches it delivered one sided wins as Gael Monfils eased past Andrey Rublev.

Rublev who is top seed this week at the Grand Final in London though has a poor record against Monfils in the format. The Frenchman won 3-0 in their opening Group A match with La Monf winning 19-15, 13-9, 17-9.

A repeat of his win over Rublo in New York in August, Monfils went on to win the title. Is that an omen? It is just his second win in 11 UTS matches. Rublev started well leading 4-2, but lost eight straight to Monfils who led 10-4. The latter maintained his advantage. Rublev used a bonus card but despite a late surge, Monfils held on for 19-15.

Monfils maintained his edge as he streaked away in both quarters winning them 13-9 and 17-9. Rublev threw everything but the kitchen sink at Monfils but in the end, Monfils dodged it and moved clear.

“I came here, I was locked in, wanted to enjoy myself but I’m in the middle of pre-season, I’ve put a lot of work in to be at a decent level next year,” Monfils said. “Yes, I wanted to put on a show but be tough and I think I was tough today.”

“I felt good on the court. I was moving well, felt good the ball. There’s always period when your body lets you do what it wants, that’s a bit easier. I felt like today was that day, I could run a bit better.”

Also in Group A, Ugo Humbert made light work of Thanasi Kokkinakis and will now face Rublev hoping to make it two from two on Saturday afternoon. In Group B, it was starred by Jan-Lennard Struff who replaced Denis Shapovalov in the initial line-up. He strutted his stuff as he edged past Alexander Bublik. Despite the 3-0 scoreline, it was the danger of the format as Struff only just made it past Bublik in each timed part of the tie.

But in terms of big wins, it was Alex de Minaur who provided the statement as he recovered to edge past Holger Rune 3-1.

The Demon won 12-13, 21-6, 17-7, 25-5. He stormed back from losing the opening quarter to produce movement, defence turning into blinding attack. Rune’s legs were taken away and De Minaur who used his bonus cards when needed stormed away for the win. Rune’s fourth quarter score is the joint lowest in UTS history.

It is a statement for De Minaur who will hope to end his season with the Grand Final title. London of course being a second home due to girlfriend Katie Boulter residing in the UK.

“I didn’t start too well but I love this UTS format, it’s always fun to play and I’m happy to be back here in London, I tell you that.

“Experience always helps. I’ve played a couple of these events, I enjoyed it, it’s a lot of energy, fun and I played some good tennis today.”