Gael Monfils defended his unconventional U.S. Open semifinal strategy on Friday, telling reporters in a post–match press conference that he merely wanted to throw Novak Djokovic off his game.
Djokovic ended up beating Monfils in four sets, but not without some trouble along the way. After going down 0–5 in the opening set, Monfils completely changed his tactics, emphasizing his slice and avoiding shot–for–shot rallies with Djokovic.
Monfils won three straight games and had double–break point at 3–5, but Djokovic held to take the first set. But the change in strategy undoubtedly rattled Djokovic, who conceded the third set before closing Monfils out in the fourth.