AUSTRALIAN OPEN

January 15, 2024

Gael Monfils

Press Conference

G. MONFILS/Y. Hanfmann

6-4, 6-3, 7-5

THE MODERATOR: A great start today. Is this the kind of start you were hoping to have to your Australian Open campaign this year?

GAEL MONFILS: Yeah, it's always good to have a straight match. I played solid today. I was, yeah, I was just, you know, hoping to have a good win, a good win under my belt. Tried to stay the less possible on the court. I think I have played good, so I'm happy with that.

THE MODERATOR: Questions in English.

Q. What do you think of the vibe out on the court where you were playing? It's got the adjacent people celebrating and the loud music. Do you enjoy it?

GAEL MONFILS: Music? I don't really mind, to be honest. Today I was just focused on my match. I was blocking out, so nothing really bother me.

Q. You don't find that distracting in any way?

GAEL MONFILS: No, it's okay.

Q. Can I just ask, now that you're traveling as a family on the tour, is it harder in a lot of ways logistically to manage two careers and a baby?

GAEL MONFILS: Yeah. I guess you know. It would be a lie if I tell you it's easy. It's challenging. It's a different, a different balance.

As you just mentioned, we are two players, so it's challenging. Yeah, it's challenging, and we are very lucky to have help from moms, from nanny. So, you know, we are learning, as well. It's our first long trip. You know, so far I feel like we manage it well, but I won't lie to you, it's challenging, yeah.

Q. Do you like the fact that there is more people coming on, men and women, coming onto the tour with little children?

GAEL MONFILS: I think it's part of life, you know. As I say always, you know, we have a beautiful sport but people forget that we are human beings. You know, that's our sport, our job, if you want.

But we have a life, and in the life people have kids, and it's beautiful to see some woman athletes to actually manage both. So, you know, I think it's great.