It's 'vive la France' as local stars advance

Homegrown talent gives fans plenty to cheer about at Open

Gael Monfils delivered one final ace, his 21st, and closed out his latest raucous, five-set victory on Court Philippe Chatrier on Wednesday to the delight of roaring, partisan spectators.

An entertainer at heart, Monfils repeatedly pounded his chest with his right fist and, after hugging opponent Diego Schwartzman at the net, used his shoe to etch a sketch of a smiley face on the red clay in the French Open main stadium.