Tennis: Ahead of His Beijing Debut, Monfils Shares His End-of-Season Goals

Just a month after his defeat against Casper Ruud at the US Open, French tennis player Gaël Monfils is back in action at the China Open in Beijing. At 37 years old, Monfils is currently ranked 46th in the ATP standings and approaches this new tournament with well-defined and realistic objectives, as he shared with our colleagues at L’Equipe.

The Excitement of Returning to Beijing

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be back in Beijing. It has been quite a few years since my last visit. It feels great,” Monfils expressed, radiating enthusiasm about returning to a city that holds fond memories for him. “I’ve always had great moments here, whether it was during my first Olympic Games or simply competing in this tournament. These occasions are always special. I haven’t played in this tournament very often, so every time I come back, it genuinely feels exciting. I’m really happy to be returning this year to Beijing,” he continued, reflecting on the positive experiences the city has provided him over the years.

End-of-Season Goals for Monfils

As he navigates the later stages of his career, managing injuries has become a top priority for Monfils. He is acutely aware of the physical demands of professional tennis and aims to maintain his fitness level through the remainder of the season. “This year has been good for me in the context of my career. Naturally, there’s always a desire to play at an even higher level, but I believe I’ve had a reasonable year concerning my current form. My goal now is to finish the season without any injuries and try to win a few more matches to solidify my position in the rankings. I have some short-term and medium-term goals, which I hope to achieve gradually in the upcoming tournaments,” remarked Monfils, who knows he must be prepared from the very first round where he will face none other than the world’s number 3, Daniil Medvedev.

Facing Challenges Head-On

Monfils’ return to competitive tennis comes with its own set of challenges. A tough draw against Medvedev right out of the gate will test his resilience and skill. “It’s going to be a stern test, but I’m ready to put my best foot forward,” he said confidently. Such encounters not only provide him with the opportunity to showcase his talent but also serve as crucial learning experiences as he looks to refine his game. Being an experienced player, Monfils understands the intricacies of the sport and how vital it is to face strong opponents to continue growing as an athlete.

Reflecting on the Journey

For Monfils, every match is not just about winning or losing, but rather about enjoying the journey. He cherishes the moments spent on the court and the lessons learned along the way. “Tennis has been my life’s passion, and each tournament is a chance for me to express myself. My career has been a rollercoaster of emotions, but I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything,” he concluded.

As the China Open unfolds, fans can look forward to witnessing Gaël Monfils in action once more, hoping to see him make a strong comeback and perhaps make a few waves in the tournament as he aims to embrace the challenges ahead.