At 37, Gael Monfils is gearing up for a significant return to the tennis court, overcoming injuries and setbacks that plagued the last few seasons of his career. Despite enduring some tough conversations with his wife, Elina Svitolina, and agent Nicolas Lamperin, Monfils is fueled by his unwavering love for the sport, making the decision to continue competing.
“The reality is I love the sport. I really enjoy being on a tennis court. It’s something I can’t deny and it’s just amazing to be out there. I’ve had a couple of moments where I’ve had tough conversations with Nicolas and Elina. But I’m happy with everything I’ve done,” Monfils shared with Stuff.
His comeback journey, marked by initial struggles and subsequent improvement in the latter part of the 2023 season, reflects his determination to remain a formidable force in tennis.
Monfils and Svitolina are set to play together in Auckland in 2024, a decision that brings both joy and added stress. While the opportunity to spend more time together as a family, including their daughter, is appreciated, Monfils acknowledges the heightened pressure as they both strive for success in the tournament.
“The good part is that we can spend more time together, especially now with our daughter, it’s so much easier. But it brings a bit more stress because we always want the other one to play good, so it’s like you play two matches, instead of one. For both of us, it’s a big help. We have huge support and we can rely on each other, so that’s a big boost,” Monfils explained.
Reflecting on his return to Auckland, where he last played in 2013, Monfils expressed a mix of nostalgia and determination. Having recently won Stockholm after 12 years, he embraces the challenge of proving his enduring presence in the tennis world.
“I had the same situation after winning Stockholm again (in October) after 12 years. It makes me feel old, but it makes me feel happy that people still remember. But I don’t want them to remember; I want to show them I’m still there,” Monfils concluded, setting the stage for his upcoming campaign in Auckland.
