How the love of tennis keeps Monfils young

“I love tennis, it’s in me,” he said. “I’m still passionate. I’m enjoying it just as hard as before.”

“Tuesday’s game against Mpetshi Perricard is exactly what I’m looking for. Good battles, good matches, good stories.

“Part of me is driven by family and friends and is ready to leave tennis behind. It’s a strange balance. When you win games it’s obvious to be there, but when you don’t win you ask yourself: Why am I still playing? I can have that sometimes.

“I try to put everything on the table. Over time it becomes more difficult. My daughter is starting to express herself. If we don’t take them with us, it will become more and more difficult. Let’s see what the future brings.”

Monfils reveals the secret of longevity

When asked about the secret of his 20-year career – Monfils won his first title in Sopot in 2005 – the veteran answered enthusiastically.

“Work! I’m working, boys. Nothing else. Work and work,” he said.

Whether I lose or not, it won’t change my life. Its more. He is playing his first Grand Slams.

“My team is great. My fitness trainer does a great job. The end of 2024 was physically better. We started preparing for the season pretty early because I was sick at some point (Editor’s note: That’s why he didn’t play in the Rolex Paris Masters). Thanks to him, I move almost the way I want, I can follow all the training sessions and I’m fit on D-Day. Nothing like what I used to be. But he was good enough to understand where my weaknesses were, to eliminate them and to adapt.”

Looking ahead to Tuesday’s game, Monfils revealed another, more subtle secret to his later career success: He plays for the love of the game, and although he fights hard, he knows that defeat isn’t the end of the world.

“Whether I lose or not, it won’t change my life. Its more. He is playing his first Grand Slams. If I win the match, that’s fine. If I lose, that’s okay with me, I’ll train again. One thing is certain: I will give 100 percent.

“This type of match is always fun. I’ve played millions of Grand Slam matches against good friends. We practiced together a lot but never met on tour. He is very nice, funny, balanced and I love his project. It’s a pleasure to see him play so well and to get to know him.”