Federer saves two match points against Monfils for 1,200th career win

Roger Federer earned every one of his 1,200 career victories. But he really earned this one.

The 37-year-old, who returned to clay-court action this week for the first time since 2016, saved two match points in a 6-0, 4-6, 7-6 (3) win over Gael Monfils in Madrid.

Despite winning the first set in just 18 minutes, Federer was quickly put on the defensive by Monfils, whose always-entertaining, sometimes-effective game was at its best for portions of the second and third sets. It forced Federer to respond aggressively, even on a slower surface that he's been accustomed to.

"I think Gael did a nice job of not being frustrated after losing that first set," Federer said. "There were some highly stressful moments for me."

The two veterans, who hadn't played each other since 2015, saved their best for last. Serving at 5-6, Federer was twice inches from defeat, but he wiped away one match point with a forehand winner, and began his second match point save with a strong serve that immediately titled the rally in his favor.

"I really had to force myself to stay aggressive," Federer said about the conditions and the opponent. "I'm very pleased."

Federer, who will play Dominic Thiem in the quarterfinals, now leads the head-to-head series with Monfils 9-5. Their last four matches have come on clay.