Gael Monfils beat Bjorn Fratangelo 6-3 6-4 in the first round of the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington to clinch just his second ATP Tour level win of the season. Monfils broke once in each set
Monfils withdrew from the second round at Roland Garros due to a wrist injury and played his first match since the French Open last week in Atlanta.
Monfils has reached at least one ATP Tour Final for 18 consecutive seasons.
The Frenchman set up a second round match against Alexander Bublik.
“It’s great to be back in Washington. I love the support here. I started strong and it’s another good match under the belt. It’s another good night for both of us and hopefully we can keep it going this week”, said Monfils.
Former Washington champion Mackenzie McDonald beat Diego Schwartzman 6-3 6-3 scoring his first win in three career head-to-head matches with the Argentine player. McDonald broke in the second game of the first set and twice in the seventh and ninth games.
McDonald saved the only break point he faced and converted three of nine opportunities.
Michael Mmoh beat US qualifier Bradley Klahn 6-3 6-3 to improve his win-loss record to 8-7 this season.
Eighteen-year-old Shang Juncheng beat Emilio Gomez 6-3 6-3 winning his opening round match for the second consecutive week.
