Gael Monfils was the toast of Paris last night after a sensational maiden career victory over top seed Roger Federer.
The Frenchman, playing in his home city, delighted his supporters at the Palais Omnisports with a 7-6(7) 6-7(1) 7-6(4) semi-final success.
But rather than basking in his first win over the Swiss in six attempts, 24-year-old Monfils will be plotting the one remaining win that will land him the ATP 1000 Paris Masters crown.
Standing in his way is No.4 seed Robin Soderling, who defeated another Frenchman, Michael Llodra, in three gruelling sets.
While the Swede has won their only two previous meetings I'm convinced Monfils will be crowned champion later today despite bookies rating him the outsider for this one (11-10, bet365, Skybet, Victor Chandler, Stan James, Ladbrokes).
Soderling, 26, is widely available at 8-11 but given he had to save two match points against Llodra and a fired-up French crowd he will pushed just as hard by Monfils and a support desperate for a home success.
Monfils lost this final to Novak Djokovic last year but won't be runner-up in 2010.
SUPER SINGLE
- Monfils 2-1 (18-5, boylesports)
