Gael Monfils hopes to return to the US Open next year to achieve his goal of playing on the Tour until his 40th birthday after exiting the tournament on Tuesday.
The world No.49 was knocked out in five sets by Roman Safiullin, who prevailed 6-4, 2-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-4, after less than three hours of play. Monfils has been taken to the full distance in the first round at every Grand Slam this season, but at the other three majors, he has won those matches.
“I’m not as strong. These are big first rounds for me at this point in my career. I’m not as strong in many areas, so it’s very complicated,” the Frenchman explained during his press conference. “Once I’m on the court, I give my all. But it’s become complicated because I’m not playing as well. My average level isn’t good. It’s simply become harder.”
Monfils, who will turn 39 on Monday, was bidding to become the oldest man to win a US Open main draw match since 1992 when Jimmy Connors defeated Jaime Oncins on his 40th birthday. He is eight months older than Novak Djokovic, who is the only other player currently in the top 100 at the age of 38 or older. Earlier this year at the Auckland Open, Monfils became the oldest man to win an ATP title since 1977.
Despite his age, the former world No.6 has already outlined his desire to return to the US Open in 12 months’ time, which will start a day before his 40th birthday on August 31st.
“That’s my final goal. To play until 40,” he states.
“I hope I’ll enter this tournament (US Open) with my ranking, otherwise I’ll ask for a wild card like Caro (Garcia). I feel capable of reaching 40, honestly. It’s not too far away.
“But above all, I’d like to be competitive. I’ll do everything I can to do that. There are few athletes who manage to perform at a good level at 40. I’d like to be one of those who performed well until 40.”
Monfils is currently coached on the Tour by compatriot and friend Dorian Descloix. The two have previously played together in five ATP doubles tournaments between 2014 and 2018, reaching the semi-finals of the 2018 Ecuador Open. Since retiring, Descloix has also worked with Dayana Yastremska and Anastasia Potapova.
“I think he’s a great coach, but he’s coming at a time when I’m not doing as well, and I would have preferred to play better for him because he deserves it,” said Monfils.
“He’s good, it’s just me who’s bad. Now, we need to talk, but in my head, if he’s up for it, we’ll do the Asian tour together.”
