AUSTRALIAN OPEN

January 20, 2026

Gael Monfils

Press Conference

D. SWEENY/G. Monfils

6-7, 7-5, 6-4, 7-5

THE MODERATOR: Gael, tough luck. Not the result you wanted for your last match in Australia. Tell us something about the incredible atmosphere on Kia Arena.

GAEL MONFILS: Yeah, it was a great atmosphere. Of course, I knew Dane is a very good player, loves playing with the crowd. The crowd loves him. On top of that, it was great, great rallies.

Of course, great defense from him. He heat up the crowd. It was a beautiful French community, as well. No, it was super, super nice to play on those condition.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. I wanted to ask you about Elina, the decision she made to end her season early, the statement she posted. Could you give your perspective on what she was going through and how she's come out on the other side.

GAEL MONFILS: In what way?

Q. Of recharging and getting over the burnout, being overwhelmed by everything that was going on in her life.

GAEL MONFILS: Yeah, I mean, me, I was very happy and proud that she could share that with the fan. And then I felt like sometime in this life, especially Elina, she's doing a lot of things to get fit, to get good, a lot of things outside of tennis for her country, outside as a mom, and also outside with me as a couple.

Of course, she's extremely strong, but sometime I think the body and even the mind has to recharge. It was a great decision for her. Was not easy, to be honest. But we were there, her family, myself, to tell her that that was the right decision. Her team.

I feel like the time off she took and the work she put during this pre-season was great. Pay off, win Auckland. Played a great match two days ago. Hopefully tomorrow she be there. Hopefully she do a beautiful two weeks here.

Q. For you, how has that support system helped you through this chapter, final chapter of your career?

GAEL MONFILS: Like many time, I already say, many time. This decision, I had it like long time ago. First time was almost during COVID, I wanted to stop almost. Then when she were pregnant I also rupture my plantar fascia. I was about to say I was done.

All the time telling me, push me through, out of the limits a little bit. But worth it. Happy that I could find something different. Of course, she was a big part of that.

Q. Two quarterfinals here, among many highlights. What does Melbourne mean to you when you look back across your career?

GAEL MONFILS: I really like it here because it was for me one of my first trip. When I was young, I came here. It was 2003. I think I came here before I went to America. It was funny for me to be here.

I have a lot of great memories in juniors, 2003, 2004. I had especially great memories also with tough battle here. Even not the ones say, but tough battle especially with Gilles. It was a fun one.

I had the Aussie coach, so it was also different the way I was coming to Australia. I was there already for couple weeks before.

Here is definitely a little bit different. I really enjoy my ride here.