Gaël Monfils gave everything in this Australian Open. The Frenchman pulled out all the stops against the world number 4, Taylor Fritz. Monday, against another American, Ben Sheltonthe Monf’ once again put up a superb battle for three rounds before breaking down. Trailing 7-6(3), 6-7(3), 7-6(2) after almost three hours of struggle, My son probably knew that his chance had passed. After a long break and a game played in the fourth, the 38-year-old was forced to retire after a discussion with his clan.
Video – Gaël Monfils, beaten in the 8th 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
A record equaled
These last two weeks have been intense for the Frenchman who logically ended up giving in. Hit in the thigh, My son couldn’t anymore. A cruel end but the start of the year has been magnificent. Note that this retirement is the 23rd in the 38-year-old’s career. If we add to that his 10 withdrawals before a match, My son is now the player with the most withdrawals/forfeits, tied with Tommy Haas (33).
“His game wore me down. And I felt that I had crossed a limit”
“From the start, I felt tired”acknowledged My son at a press conference. “It was very heavy. I hoped that we would both serve well, without too much exchange. We served well, but there were still exchanges… The plan did not start well. To turn it over, I forced it on the legs. His game wore me out. And I felt like I had crossed a line. The head, it wants. We are going to say it, the sentence: ”At some point, I’m not twenty anymore!” It’s too physical for me. There are always positive things to take away, I am satisfied that I have everything I had in me and I feel that I am still learning. At my age, I know I have to adapt and make some changes to be able to play longer and with a chance of success.”
