© Getty Images Sport – Sarah Stier
Gael Monfils reveals he had “some tough conversations” with his wife Elina Svitolina and his agent but he still loves tennis and that’s a big reason why he is continuing to play at 37. In the last few seasons, Monfils battled injuries and setbacks that were causing him to miss significant time. After struggling heavily in his return in the first few months of his comeback, Monfils improved and did much better in the second part of the 2023 season.
“The reality is I love the sport. I really enjoy being on a tennis court. It’s something I can’t deny and it’s just amazing to be out there. I’ve had a couple of moments where I’ve had tough conversations with Nicolas (Lamperin, his agent and also the Classic’s tournament director) and Elina. But I’m happy with everything I’ve done,” Monfils told Stuff.
Monfils on coming to Auckland together with Svitolina
In mid-November, the Auckland organizers announced Monfils and Svitolina signed up to play there in the first week of 2024. For Monfils and Svitolina, playing in the same tournament is a great thing since they canspend more time together and bring their daughter with them. But it also brings more stress as Monfils acknowledges sometimes it feels like playing two matches in one day.
“The good part is that we can spend more time together, especially now with our daughter, it’s so much easier. But it brings a bit more stress because we always want the other one to play good, so it’s like you play two matches, instead of one. For both of us, it’s a big help. We have huge support and we can rely on each other, so that’s a big boost,” Monfils said.
In Auckland, Monfils will be playing for the third time and for the first time since 2013.
“I had the same situation after winning Stockholm again (in October) after 12 years. It makes me feel old, but it makes me feel happy that people still remember. But I don’t want them to remember, I want to show them I’m still there,” Monfils said.
