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Almost two years later, Gael Monfils returns to experience the unique emotions that tennis can offer, and he did it at the ATP tournament in Stockholm. A special weekend for the French champion, who won his 12th career title in Scandinavia, prevailing in a hard-fought 2 hour and 38 minute final over the Russian Pavel Kotov with a score of 4-6 7-6(6) 6-3 .
A comeback victory, which testifies to the tenacity of the 37-year-old Parisian, who saved three very dangerous break points that smacked of match points in the eleventh game of the second set. The Frenchman was then good at limiting the fury of the Russian tennis player, in the first final of his career after a perfect tournament in which he eliminated Eubanks, Sonego, Griekspoor and Kecmanovic, leaving just one set on the way.
At the end of the match Monfils, who with his success in the Swedish capital gained 50 positions in the ATP ranking, returning to the top 100 (90th position - ed.), expressed his joy, dedicating the victory to the women in his life.
The words of Gael Monfils at the end of the final
The 37-year-old Frenchman thanked the crowd and spent words of love for her family: "Special week for me with 3 women. My mother, thank you. As always, it's nice to win a title in front of her.
My wife Elina. Thank you. The last one is my daughter Skaï who is watching in front of the TV. It's the first time I've won a title as a father. She is very special. The funny thing is, it's my 12th title. After 12 years I won here.
I think 12 is my lucky number, so, crazy! Short but long story. I would like to thank Michael. Before Roland Garros I told him that I needed his help again. He said to me: Really? And I: Yes. He said to me: I watched your match. It was terrible. Tomorrow we will train together."