Struff comes alive at UTS Frankfurt with sudden-death win over Monfils

The German picked up his first win in this year’s event

Jan-Lennard Struff (UTS)

October 19, 2024

Jan-Lennard Struff sparked into life at UTS Frankfurt on Saturday, beating Gael Monfils 14-16, 18-14, 9-21, 16-15, 2-0 to secure his first win of this year’s event.

The Frenchman – “La Monf” – entertained the crowd with some dancing between quarters – and took advantage of some uncharacteristic poor serving from The Thunder to be on the brink of victory.

But Struff got it done in sudden death, fired up by the noisy German support.

Something had to give between these two, who had not won a match in four attempts each at UTS Frankfurt, in 2023 and 2024.

And it was Monfils who was dialled in from the start, winning the first quarter with more aggressive plan than he had produced on day one. Struff hit back well, though to level, even if he gave himself a few nervy moments in “quarter points” when Monfils, needing six to force an extra point, won the first three.

Monfils lifted his game in the third quarter to take it 21-9 but Struff hit back to force sudden death, and capitalised on the momentum to win both points and seal the match.

Struff: I like the risks

The Thunder knew he had pushed it very fine.

“I like the risks in my game. Yesterday I was a little bit unlucky but I wanted to go again today. The last shot from him was very close. I would have been very down if that went in. Gael is an unbelievable competitor and it is a pleasure to share the court with him.”

La Monf was pragmatic afterwards, pointing out that it was harder for him in Frankfurt than in New York.

“Actually it is tougher for me here because there is no second court to warm up my body and to adapt. At UTS there is no warm-up before the match and I haven’t performed well here. Outdoor obviously it is easier to have a warm-up court. Also Struff played pretty good, so credit to him!”

Lorenzo Musetti is already assured of a semi-final spot after winning both of his matches 3-0.

Monfils can still qualify for the Final Four – if Musetti does him a favour and beats Struff later today.