Too simple an answer? In any case, it is enough for Corentin Moutet (69e): “Work is only the explanation” of the success of the French veteran, who will face Monday in the round of 16 against the American Ben Shelton (20e). “No one is born a champion. You become a champion by being disciplined, by training every day, by being courageous and Gaël is an example of that too”, in addition to being “obviously an excellent tennis player with enormous qualities”, compliments Moutet, beaten on Saturday at 3e round of the Australian Open.
For world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, the longevity of Monfils or Novak Djokovic (37 years and 24 Grand Slam titles) forces other players on the circuit to change their “point of view” on their priorities. “Of course, it’s important to win now,” explains the title holder in Melbourne, aged 23 and winner of eight tournaments in 2024. “But it’s also important to keep your body in good physical condition as your career continues,” adds the Italian, who insists on the need for preventive work, particularly among young players, to avoid certain injuries and make a career last as long as possible.
Another key to longevity according to Sinner: in a very busy schedule, “you have to choose the right tournaments, when to play and when” to rest.
“Unreal”
Is the Parisian the most accomplished athlete on the circuit? “The best athlete at 38,” Monfils replied with a pirouette, this time verbal. A phrase often comes up in the speeches of the opponents beaten by the dean of the men’s table in recent days, the latest being nothing less than the 4e world Taylor Fritz. “I forget that he is 38 years old,” admitted the 27-year-old American at a press conference.
-Pressed with questions about his age since the start of the tournament, Monfils likes to repeat that it is only a “number” and that as he approaches forty, he dreams more of a family life than of an improbable Grand Slam title. By beating Fritz, he nevertheless became the only player over 38, with Swiss legend Roger Federer, to have reached the round of 16 of the Australian Open since the 128-participant draws existed in Melbourne (i.e. 1988).
“I saw something, I think it was (former world No. 7) Mardy Fish who said that he had played it in 2007. And he (Monfils) is still there, it’s unreal,” said French No. 1 Ugo Humbert on Sunday after his defeat in the round of 16 against Alexander Zverev. “It’s wonderful to see him still at this level,” continues the 26-year-old left-hander. “He played really well to put Fritz in four sets when I had the impression he was flying a bit in his previous rounds. Honestly, well done, it’s ultra-inspiring.”
