Gael Monfils insists he is not giving up despite admitting his feelings and confidence have been low amid a less than convincing performance.
After starting the 2024 season outside the top 70, a strong start to the season has seen the Frenchman climb back up the rankings, reaching a season-high of No. 30 less than a month ago.
However, recent results have not been kind to the 37-year-old and he is now facing a significant drop in the rankings.
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The father of one daughter lost to Italian Lorenzo Musetti at the French Open a few months ago. He met again at the Olympics two weeks ago and was unable to overcome the Italian, followed by a disappointing result at the Canadian Open in Toronto last week.
The former world number 6 made it to the quarter-finals of the Canadian Open 12 months ago using a protected ranking, but this year he lost in straight sets to Thanasi Kokkinakis in the first round.
The defeat has seen the Ukrainian’s husband Elina Svitolina drop to 45th in the world rankings.
Taking to social media, the 37-year-old said it was ‘important’ to share his struggles and that he was refusing to give up at this time.
Monfils wrote, “We often share moments when things are going well, but it’s also important to recognise when things are not going well.”
“I spent a lot of time training, but right now the feeling and the confidence are not really there. It’s not easy, but I’m going to keep working hard to get it back. We’re not giving up.”
The Frenchman now heads to Cincinnati for his second straight Masters 1000 tournament. However, the draw is not so favourable as he could face some brutal matches.
Gael Monfils is scheduled to meet Alexei Popyrin in the first round of the Cincinnati Open (Western & Southern Open) with the Australian having been solid and impressive this season, including a run to the final of the Canadian Open.
Should the Frenchman win that match, he will face one of his toughest tests yet as he will play in the second round against former world No. 1 and reigning Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz.
