French tennis player Gael Monfils has opened up about the challenging times he faced in his career and how he found the motivation to continue despite setbacks. The 37-year-old revealed that in mid-2022, he was at a low point mentally, with doubts about his future in the sport.
Monfils shared that a serious family accident and his wife’s pregnancy added to the stress he was already feeling. When he suffered a serious foot injury, he wasn’t sure if he had the strength to make a comeback. However, the news of his daughter’s impending arrival gave him the motivation to keep going.
The introduction of the new tennis format, UTS, also played a significant role in Monfils’ decision to continue playing. A conversation with fellow player Jeremy Chardy convinced him to give it a try, despite his initial doubts.
Setting his sights on a big goal, the Olympics, helped Monfils stay focused on his recovery and training. Despite facing another injury setback in 2023, he remained determined to work hard and make a comeback.
Now, Monfils is set to face Thiago Seyboth Wild in the first round of Roland-Garros in Paris. Reflecting on his journey, he expressed gratitude for the support of his family and the opportunity to rediscover himself on the tennis court at 37-and-a-half years old.