Gael Monfils is having a dream start to the 2022 season. The Frenchman began his new season at Adelaide International 1 tournament. He came out on top in that tournament, winning each of the matches in dominating fashion.
Additionally, he had a deep run at the Australian Open 2022. The 35-year-old managed an impressive quarterfinals finish, losing in the last-eight to the Italian Matteo Berrettini in a five-setter thriller.
Monfils has been long labeled as a player with impeccable talent. He is known to keep things simple on the court. Moreover, his athletic ability adds another dimension to his game.
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However, it has been a situation of ‘so near, yet so far’ for the Frenchman. He has managed a couple of semifinal finishes at French Open and US Open apart from numerous other quarterfinal finishes at Grand Slams. Recently, he opened up on his chances to lift the missing piece of silverware further in his career.
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Gael Monfils believes he can win at least one Grand Slam title
After his quarterfinal exit, the 35-year-old was asked about his time in Australia and the progress he had made. Monfils replied, “Yeah, we’ll take a lot of positive things. I keep learning from that but I feel like it’s been always tough for me but somehow I am not losing the faith. I need one time (the Grand Slam title).”
He further added, “I won’t win 20, but one time, just one time I need and you know I’m working for this. I still believe I can do it. It’s hard, it’s been 20 years that I’m not doing the good thing but who knows, this year it might click and that’s a happy end.”
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On not being able to dominate the crunch moments, Monfils said, “On those moments, I’ve been struggling all around my career. I never made a good decision. Honestly, I’m very fine with that. But I believe I can click once before I finish. I believe that once I will do it. So that’s my faith.”
"I won't win 20 [Grand Slams]… But I believe that once I will do it."
@Gael_Monfils · #AusOpen · #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/ErHa4dxvaz— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 2, 2022
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Gael Monfils would be eager to shrug off his disappointing Australian Open loss as he prepares for the clay-court season ahead. He will aim to come back stronger at his ‘home’ Grand Slam. Can the Frenchman have a happy ending to his career? Do let us know your views in the comments below.