mtenis.com.pl

Q. How hard was it to keep fighting in that third set when you couldn't quite break his serve?
GAEL MONFILS: Well, it was not very hard. You know, just keep fighting.

You know, that's tennis. That's always tough, you know. Even when your opponent's playing very good, there are not many opportunities.

But I think my spirit was to keep trying, so it wasn't hard.



Q. Is this the best Nadal you've ever seen in the last years?
GAEL MONFILS: Definitely today was in great shape. Much better than Doha, for sure.

For me, yeah, I would say today was one of the best I haven't seen for a while.

The gregarious Frenchman Gael Monfils is a fan favourite both on and off the court. The 27 year old is a four-time champion on the ATP World Tour and one of the more athletic and agile players to ever play the game.

The former World No. 7 has registered his best results on home soil, with a pair of runner-up finishes at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament in Paris and a semi-final run at Roland Garros in 2008. This week, while competing in singles at the Open Sud de France in Montpellier, he sat down with ATPWorldTour.com to discuss the last time…

I cooked for myself or others?
It was two days before Davis Cup. I cooked something simple. Pasta with tomato sauce and some steak.

I flew economy class?
Short trips are always in economy. For long trips, it was with my best friend who is here. I flew to Miami. It was a very long trip!! But in economy it was nice actually.

I met a childhood idol?
Everyday!!! My dad.

I shared a hotel room with another player?
This one is a long time ago. I can't remember. I know I have shared rooms with friends, but with another player it was Olympics with Gilles Simon.

I paid money to hire a court or buy tennis balls?
It was actually three days before the Davis Cup, in Geneva.

I played a practical joke in the locker room?
Every day. Thirty seconds ago (laughs).

I forgot a family member’s birthday?
No. Never!!!

Being famous helped me?
Everyday (laughs).

I strung a tennis racquet?
Two years ago. My dad has a stringing machine and I went there in Guadeloupe and I strung my own racquets.

I lost something important?
Maybe last week. I have some lucky toys and actually I forgot them in the hotel in India.

I last asked someone for their autograph?
Actually I never ask for autograph. I always ask for pictures. Last time was in December. I was in Los Angeles. I have a picture with some basketball players but the last one was with with Floyd Mayweather, the boxer.

I played another sport that might have caused me a minor injury?
I think last time was last year. I played soccer and I took the ball in my face and actually twisted my jaw.

I was asked if I was a tennis player?
Last week (laughs).

I missed a flight?
It was funny. A couple years ago. I think I over slept in Frankfurt. I arrived from Las Vegas and I missed my flight home. It was stupid because it was like maybe four hours wait in the airport and I actually woke up two hours after the flight left.

I heard/told a good joke?
Never!! (laughs). No, yesterday Hugo (the ATP physio) told one. He is the best.

I failed an exam?
Easy. Years ago I failed the exam for the driving license. But I have one now.