Gaël Monfils, 38 ans, is still there and proves it at the start of 2025. This Tuesday, in the first round of theAustralian Open facing Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard21 years old, the Monf’ won a nice shock of generations. Winner of theATP 250 d’Auckland last week, the Parisian confirmed his great form by knocking down the French giant, semi-finalist in Brisbane7-6(7), 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-7(5), 6-4. After a fight of almost 4 hours, Monfils was able to make the difference by being on top in the exchange and very efficient in serving. My son will have to recover well on Wednesday but will have a shot to play next Thursday against Daniel Altmaier before potentially offering a third round against Taylor Fritz.
Video – Gaël Monfils in the second round of the Australian Open
Find the men’s draw for the Australian Open here
Find the women’s draw for the Australian Open here
“I appreciate it very much, Giovanni”
“I appreciate it very much, Giovanni”confided My son at a press conference. “It’s never easy to play between French people, even more so when we like each other. He’s going to win a lot of matches. I just got by with this one. He will be really strong. I trained with him a lot, I also saw him play a lot. We all observe each other. I expected that. We want to put a label on it too much. From the baseline, he plays well. We want to make people believe that he only knows how to serve, but not at all. He saved break points by hitting beautiful forehands. There were rallies from the baseline, he played bombed. I had to really work hard. His service is a bonus. And that’s why he’s going to be very strong. He can improve on many things, but like everyone else. From the baseline, he plays very well and, above all, he moves very well.”
“I want to fight without fixating on the numbers”
He then spoke about his source of motivation. “In life you have to dream, and I have a lot of dreams. The most satisfying part is winning. I work hard, and if I win one, two or three matches afterwards, it’s satisfying. I want continue in this direction, giving the best of myself without thinking about my age. For example, I have been in this career for 21 years, and Giovanni is 21, but I want to fight without fixating on the numbers. do not feel pressure; my wife participates in the tournament and my daughter is waiting for me, so I’m pressure-free and happy. I’m ready for the next match.”
“That’s the funny thing, you feel like it’s so easy that you think I’m 28”
Aged 38, Monf’ knows that everything is harder, especially for recovery. Paradoxically, the Frenchman does not want to have his age in mind, but does not want journalists to forget it. Amusing. “I don’t look at my age, it’s just a number. I try not to think about it, but I can tell you that tomorrow morning, I will be more 48 than 38 years old,” he said, before continuing.That’s the funny thing, you feel like it’s so easy that you think I’m 28 years old. But I’m not 28, I’m 38. I’m good, I have my little daughter, I’m happy. I have the right to be tired! But I fight and I love it. I like castagne. I’m tired, but I’m trying to push myself. Of course I’m tired, but what guys, am I going to give the match? I fight, I train for. Unfortunately, I would have rather been 28 than 38, I tell you.” My son is there and still has more under the hood. No one can doubt it.
