Gael Monfils: "I gave my heart" in US Open Defeat

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This is not the first time that Gael Monfils is approaching a semifinal of the US Open.

The French conceded a match point against Roger Federer in the fourth set of their 2014 quarter-final before falling in five sets. On Wednesday, Monfils saved four match points before tilting in front of Italian Matteo Berrettini during a tie break in the fifth set. But while this may seem like a painful case of déjà vu, he preferred to be proud to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final in three years.

"I am not a bad loser. I give it all today. I did not serve well, but I gave my heart, "said Monfils. "The crowd was amazing. They pushed me. They helped me. It was fun. It was exactly what I play for. I would like to win, but I love these matches, no matter what. I am proud of myself and I will be happy. "

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Monfils won a lot of new fans these two weeks with his flashy game all over the field and his passionate reactions that electrified the New York crowd. His victory in the third round in five sets against Canadian Denis Shapovalov #NextGenATP was considered by many as the tournament match until he further increased the stakes against Berrettini.

The 33-year-old has had a career comeback this season, including the title in Rotterdam (Wawrinka's death) and a semifinal at the Rogers Cup. Although a win on Wednesday would have put him back in the Top 10 of the ATP rankings, he is adamant that his defeat against Berrettini will not stop him from taking off.

"I know how to bounce back," said Monfils. "In fact, I played very well after this quarterfinal that I lost in 2014 with Roger. I need almost two weeks of positive spinoffs to keep working hard and come back for the Asian swing.