Gael Monfils needed just 57 minutes to brush aside Tatsuma Ito of Japan 6-3, 6-2 on Stadium two in one of the hottest days in Miami, Florida.
One break enough for Monfils
With the heat in Miami affecting a number of high-profile players, all eyes were on Gael Monfils to see if he could get past the Japanese. The Frenchman had no problems holding his serve as the match got underway. The world number 120 struggled to close out his opening service game with Monfils pushing him to deuce on two occasions. Eventually Ito held a fairly long service game to get on board in the opening set.
At 3-2 on the Ito serve, Monfils found an opening, winning three points in a row to set up break point. The world number 16 broke and in the upcoming game consolidated his break to love to go 5-2 up on Ito. The 27-year old held his service game and made the Frenchman serve it out. Monfils had no problems in closing the set out with a hold to love.
Clinical Monfils books spot in round three
Monfils started the second set in fine form, winning three straight points to set up an early break point chance. With Ito struggling, the former French Open semifinalist broke and immediately took charge of the set. He held to consolidate his break. With Monfils running away with the match, Ito couldn't match the Frenchman's energy and one again struggled to hold, gifting a break to Monfils. The 29-year old took his opportunities and held his next service game to go 4-0 up on Ito.
The Japanese finally got on board in the second set, but it seemed to little to late. Monfils and Ito held their next service games and with less than an hour on the board, Monfils had his chance to serve it out for a place in round four at 5-2. The 16th seed had no such problems closing the match out running away to a 40-15 lead. The 2013 Davis Cup finalist will now face 23rd seed Pablo Cuevas in round four, who got past John Millman of Australia in straight sets.
Match Statistics
The Frenchman's domination showed in the stats, serving nine aces and two double-faults. Monfils won 92 percent of points on his first serve and 60 percent behind his second. Monfils didn't have to save any break points, but did manage to break three times out of three opportunities. He did go on to win 61 percent of total points.
Ito served two aces and two double-faults. The Japanese won only 52 percent on his first serve, but faired much better winning 61 percent on his second serve. Ito saved none of three break points and didn't fashion a single break point. He won only 38 percent of total points.