Gael Monfils crashed out in a dramatic first-round upset at the ATP Toronto Masters, blowing four match points before falling 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(7/3) to qualifier Tomas Barrios Vera on a scorching Sunday.
The French veteran, known for his flair, had multiple chances to close it out in the third set but couldn’t capitalize against Chile’s Barrios Vera, who notched his first Masters-level win while snapping a seven-match losing streak.
Both players battled the punishing 35°C heat in a grueling nearly three-hour duel. Monfils, 38, struggled with his serve, hitting a staggering 15 double faults — the highest he’s ever recorded in a best-of-three match.
Barrios Vera now advances to face American Alex Michelsen in round two.
“I don’t know how I saved so many match points,” said the 27-year-old Chilean. “It was super tight. I just fought for every point and served well. This win boosts my confidence in big events.”
Monfils, making his 14th Canadian appearance and looking to break past the first round for the second year running, rallied from a set and break down but fell short in the decider. Despite 30 winners, his 47 unforced errors and physical struggles in the heat told the story.
The Masters event opened with Reilly Opelka, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, and Learner Tien all winning their matches. Notably absent were four of the world’s top 10, including No.1 Jannik Sinner and No.2 Carlos Alcaraz, sidelined by injury.
With third seed Alexander Zverev carrying the top billing, the tournament continues amid heightened anticipation after last month’s Wimbledon final showdown between Sinner and Alcaraz.
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