Monfils advances at Monte Carlo Masters

MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - APRIL 14: Gael Monfils of France plays a volley in his match against Andrey Kuznetsov of Russia during day three of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters tennis at the Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 14, 2015 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - APRIL 14: Gael Monfils of France plays a volley in his match against Andrey Kuznetsov of Russia during day three of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters tennis at the Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 14, 2015 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Published Apr 14, 2015

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Monaco — Gael Monfils overcame a shaky start to rally past Russian qualifier Andrey Kuznetsov 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the first round of the Monte Carlo Masters on Tuesday.

The 14th-seeded Frenchman, who recently returned to the tour after a knee injury, struggled with his serve early before finding his range.

Monfils was up a break in the opener but lost 12 of the last 14 points as Kuznetsov took control. But the Russian could not build on the momentum, dropping his serve twice in the second set.

Serving for the match at 5-4, Monfils hit two big serves to fend off break points and closed out the match.

Wild-card entry Lucas Pouille also advanced and will next face eight-time champion Rafael Nadal. - ANA-AP

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