THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

July 4, 2025

Gael Monfils

Press Conference

M. FUCSOVICS/G. Monfils

6-4, 1-6, 4-6, 7-6, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Questions in English.

Q. I would just like to ask a very general question. You've had so many years on tour, so many experiences. If you could say the one or two most special moments that you've had on court and one or two not so special.

GAEL MONFILS: I think I just had special moment, because you know, I've been fortunate enough to be a tennis player in such a big sport like that.

I'd say for me the one who stand out is in 2004 my first Bercy. For me that was a special moment. I was young, and first time playing really in France, big court, unreal energy with the crowd. For me that was a special moment.

Q. Obviously you had a suspension from yesterday. Do you feel like the result of your match today would have been different if you actually continued, or do you think it disrupted a little bit?

GAEL MONFILS: I don't know. I wish I could answer this question. I don't know. Definitely changed a little bit some aspect, because today was a little bit different condition.

But to tell you that I would have win the match is too much. I don't really know.

Q. In that set where you were serving for the match, how did it feel to have to go longer? Did it disrupt you? What do you think your opponent did for it to get to that point?

GAEL MONFILS: Played better than me, that's for sure (smiling).

You know, he went for his shot. He was a little bit fortunate on one or two shots. Honestly, he played well. He played tough. You know, credit to him.

Q. What's going through your mind about the days you've had here this year and your thoughts looking ahead?

GAEL MONFILS: You know, of course, I wish I could win this match today, but that's sport. I'm going to rest couple of days and go back on court and try to be ready for the U.S. tour.

Q. How much does the love you get from fans inspire you to continue?

GAEL MONFILS: I won't say inspire me, but of course please me and give me energy. I continue because I like it, and somehow I still manage to do some different sacrifices. I still get this motivation out of myself. Of course, when I go on court and you have the energy of the crowd, it's just something that put, let's say, give you, like, positive energies, special. Yeah, it's a special moment all the time.

Q. What do you think would have made the difference today in the fifth set? It was a mental aspect or physical, from yesterday?

GAEL MONFILS: No, I think today didn't serve much better. My return was really poor. I couldn't really return good. I strike the ball poorly today. In a way different condition with the windy side, with the sun. I couldn't adapt myself as quick that he did.

Of course, one set on grass is very quick. So credit to him. He was better than me.

Q. What makes him such a tough opponent, because you played him at Estoril, and you had match points. What is so tough about him?

GAEL MONFILS: He's a very good player. He's very strong on the baseline. Got few good weapons: serve, forehand. He likes when he's behind the score to really unleash his weapons, and it work a lot of time. Today, again, he beat me. He's a great player.

Q. What does it mean to you to be on the tour with your wife?

GAEL MONFILS: I don't know. It's a tough question in a way, because you see my wife as a tennis player; I see my wife as a wife. It's completely different.

You know, it's a hard question in a way. But of course, it's great that we can share the same passion. But I don't know. It's a little bit weird question, because she's my wife, not a tennis player in a way.

Q. Well, you also have a child.

GAEL MONFILS: Yeah.

Q. How does that add to the experience?

GAEL MONFILS: You know, it's same. It's more like in my life. You know, tennis is a part of my life, but tennis is not my life. I say it, like my life outside of tennis is my real life.

So I'm lucky enough to raise a child, and hopefully we'll get more someday. Just grateful and thanks everyone every day to give me the chance to have a child.