Marcel Granollers has sprung a surprise by beating Gael Monfils 7-6(6) 6-7(7) 6-4 in the second round of the Madrid Open.
After the two players had traded breaks during an even opening set, it was Granollers who prevailed in a closely-fought tie-break to edge closer to the last 16.
The second set saw both players save five break points before reaching a tie-break, but on this occasion it was Monfils who kept his nose in front and although Granollers saved two set points, he couldn't save a third and the match went into a decider.
The first seven games of the final set passed by without incident, but in the eighth, Monfils saved five break points before succumbing on the sixth to allow Granollers the chance to serve for the match.
However, the Spaniard couldn't take advantage as Monfils pulled it back to 5-4, but the world number 64 then broke his opponent in the next game to wrap up the match and progress through.
Darren Plant
