Monfils: "I want to keep making life complicated for my rivals, but I am no longer the same as before"
The Frenchman claims to have high expectations for the Masters 1000 in Montreal and wishes to remain competitive at nearly 40 years old.
Gael Monfils wants to remain a protagonist and will seek to say goodbye to Canada with a great performance at the ATP Masters 1000 Canada 2026. Approaching his 40th birthday, the charismatic French player is resisting going to tournaments without faith in himself.
Before debuting against Kamil Majchrzak, the former world number 6 reflected on how he has been experiencing these last few months as a professional. Gael Monfils has not won a match since he did so in Monte Carlo against Griekspoor, and everything he experienced at Roland Garros has left a deep mark on him, as he acknowledged in comments recorded by TennisTV before the ATP Masters 1000 Montreal 2026.
Monfils describes the emotional hangover left by saying goodbye to Roland Garros
A grand celebration was expected in Paris to bid farewell to one of the players who, without winning the tournament or even being a finalist, has left a deeper mark on the French Grand Slam and more iconic moments in tennis history. He lost to Gaston, and what he experienced took a toll on him.
"It was very emotional. Paris is my favorite tournament, and what I experienced there was phenomenal, but I ended up completely emotionally drained. I rested, spent time with my family, and little by little I was able to return to my routine. Now I find myself in a very calm mental state and very happy to be here," he stated.
Despite being in the final stretch of his career, Monfils' competitive ambition remains intact. In fact, he recalled that one of his great goals had always been to continue playing until he was 40.
Gael Monfils and his desire to remain competitive
"I have always said I wanted to compete until that age, and now I'm about to achieve it. If I want to continue being competitive at 40, I have to work very hard. Sometimes I push myself too much because I really want to do well. Maybe I should expect a little less from myself. One has to be realistic; I no longer play as well as before," he candidly remarked.
Despite having had a successful career in terms of longevity, the Frenchman has taken a step back in his level this season, but he does not give up. "My goal is to enjoy, but also to make life difficult for my opponents. And if I can achieve a victory, I will give everything to make it happen," he assured.
That competitive spirit has accompanied the Frenchman throughout his career and explains why he continues to be such an uncomfortable player even in the final stages of his career. His talent, creativity, and athletic ability allowed him to become one of the most spectacular tennis players of his generation, although injuries prevented him from competing more regularly for the big titles.
Every opportunity to enjoy his tennis must be seized and savored by the fans of this sport, aware that something more than just good tennis is leaving. Gael Monfils will want to delight everyone with his charisma and game at the ATP Masters 1000 Montreal 2026, without that meaning a reduction in his competitive aspirations at the Canadian tournament.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Monfils: "Quiero seguir complicando la vida a mis rivales, pero ya no soy el de antes"