Gael Monfils is through to the second-round of the Cincinnati Open after losing in his opening match at his home Olympics in Paris.
Veteran Gael Monfils is still enjoying his time on the ATP tour with his vibrant style still a staple part of his game.
At 37, Monfils is approaching the end of his long career that has previously seen him ranked as high as six.
His opening match with record-breaking Montreal champion Alexei Popyrin proved easier than originally looked, with Monfils highlighting a recent change in his game style.
While the Australian had little time between his final in Canada and his opener in the midwest, Monfils was tidy throughout and won in straight sets.
It’s a tale of old meeting new as Carlos Alcaraz meets Cincinnati’s oldest remaining player in the men’s draw.
Now facing last year’s finalist Alcaraz in the second round, Monfils is excited to face a player he already considers a tennis great.
Gael Monfils labels Carlos Alcaraz a ‘complete’ player on the same level as the ‘big three’
Ahead of their match, which will be Alcaraz’s first on the hard courts since March’s outing in Miami, Monfils has not been short of praise for the 21-year-old star.
Speaking to Tennis.com, Monfils said: “He’s a complete athlete, in terms of speed, endurance, power,” Monfils said. “And then his tennis, of course, is quite complete, too. Backhand, forehand, it’s quite hard to see where you can (hit). He improved a lot on the return, he’s serving big. He’s just a really complete player.
“At the moment, I see him (the same) as Novak, as Rafa, as Roger, for me. He’s just a bit younger, but he’s already a legend.
“For me, it’s always cool to play such a big star like Carlos or Jannik—or of course, in my day it was Novak, Rafa, Roger. But to play those youngsters, it’s always a pleasure,” Monfils said.
“Tomorrow, it’s gonna be great fun for me. Obviously, really tough, but it’s gonna be something that I will remember for a couple years.”
Monfils has failed to beat the Spaniard on their two previous meetings, but with this match Alcaraz’s first for several months, the Frenchman might have to hope he’s feeling a little rusty.
Gael Monfils is an ATP legend and it will be sad to see him retire
The dynamic Frenchman has a unique demeanor which has seen him repeatedly win over any crowd he wants.
A home favourite at Roland Garros for over a decade, Monfils has constantly been intensely well-liked by all of the ATP tour.
His praise for Alcaraz is not at all unusual from Monfils, with the 37-year-old clearly just a fan of wonderful tennis.
While he is now a father with his partner, WTA player Elina Svitolina, the Monfils has recently answered retirement speculation.
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