Fun is Gael Monfils’ buzzword and the gregarious Frenchman is determined to enjoy his debut at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. Monfils has always illustrated his scintillating talent and athleticism on the court but in 2016 he exhibited a steel behind his flamboyance.
The first-time qualifier at The O2 is following in the footsteps of his generation of countrymen to feature in the season finale. He will hope to draw inspiration from Jo-Wilfried Tsonga’s (2011, l. to Federer) and Gilles Simon’s (2008, l. to Novak Djokovic in Shanghai) run to the semi-finals.
“It means a lot to me, I am very happy. I can’t wait to get onto the court and play my game,” stated the World No. 6.
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Monfils is the first player since 1972 to take his bow at the ATP World Tour season finale at the age of 30 or above, the sixth in history, and that is credit to the evident evolution under coach and former pro Mikael Tillstrom.
Monfils claimed the Citi Open in Washington back in July whilst recording career-best results at the Australian Open (quarter-final) and then the US Open (semi-final) during a consistently impressive campaign.
“It means the work I have put on the court with my team has been good," explained Monfils. "The changes we have made are good, the sacrifices we made have been worth it, because sometimes when you make these decisions you don’t know if you’ll get the value. Playing here for the first time will definitely help me to continue in this way.”
Playing in the Group Ivan Lendl alongside Novak Djokovic and Dominic Thiem, Monfils limbered up for his opening clash with Milos Raonic (leading the head-to-head by 3-2) by practising with good friend, Stan Wawrinka, on Saturday.
Perhaps the Swiss maestro could pass on some wisdom to Monfils. Wawrinka lifted his third Grand Slam at the US Open having beaten Djokovic, an opponent that holds a 13-0 record over the Frenchman.
“I have to face Novak and it is another chance for me to try and beat him for the first time,” Monfils said. “We’ve played twice this year [at ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Canada and the US Open] and I think I will definitely have to change my game plan. But it will be really fun.”
View practice schedule & watch live stream from practice courts.