PARIS — Although Gael Monfils would prefer to win his matches in routine fashion he cannot help but play thrilling five-setters at the French Open, advancing to the fourth round just before dusk on Friday.
The French showman, seeded 13th, featured in his sixth five-setter in 11 outings on the Roland Garros clay, beating Uruguayan Pablo Cuevas 4-6 7-6 (1) 3-6 6-4 6-3.
It was also the 13th time Monfils had gone all the way at his home grand slam.
"I'd rather win in three sets," he told a news conference.
Monfils trailed 4-1 in the fourth set and seemed to be heading for defeat when Cuevas's arm suddenly tightened.