AUSTRALIAN OPEN

January 16, 2025

Gael Monfils

Press Conference

G. MONFILS/D. Altmaier

7-5, 6-3, 7-6

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Can I ask you about the start to the season and what's been driving, I suppose, getting that first tour title and what that might mean for you for the year?

GAEL MONFILS: The same thing drive me last year. Try to be consistent. You know, try to stay healthy as much as I can. End of last year I was playing pretty great tennis, felt good, felt a bit short because I got sick. Then I have a time-out and enjoy with my daughter. Then I could put up some work.

I've been fortunate at the beginning of the season. Felt the body good. Felt I was hitting good. I'm just surfing on the moment.

Q. Just having watched your first match in Melbourne going back I think 21 years ago, 2004 against Robbie Ginepri.

GAEL MONFILS: '05.

Q. 2005. And seeing the generation coming through along with Roger and Rafa and Novak, and then seeing the current guys, how hard is it and how much has the game improved in the 20 years? How much of a better player are you back to then as well?

GAEL MONFILS: I feel like the game is a bit faster, of course, a bit faster. I think that the technology evolve a lot. Now every single player is a professional of a big team.

I think physically it's different, so you just evolve, I guess. Then I think in 20 years it's going to be maybe even maybe faster or more physical or different.

I feel like racquets, strings, balls, everything change. I just try to keep myself, you know, with this evolution.

Q. Obviously we don't want you to retire or anything like that, but do you have anything specific that you want to achieve before you say that I'm done?

GAEL MONFILS: No, I can finish now. I think I have done what I want in a way. If I do more, it's bonus. I'm happy.

As I always say from day one, for me the most important is the health. It's just a part of my life. It's very nice, beautiful. Tennis give me everything, you know, I can even imagine, so I am already blessed. The rest is bonus.