Gael Monfils has never been short on talent. Only health–or a lack thereof–has held him back.
When he is 100 percent physically, the 37-year-old can still compete with the best players on tour–and that is exactly what he is doing at the BNP Paribas Open. Coming off an upset of Hubert Hurkacz, Monfils overcame Cameron Norrie 6-7(5), 7-6(5), 6-3 after three hours and 12 minutes in the last 32 of the season’s first Masters 1000 tournament on Monday afternoon.
The Frenchman trailed by a set and 3-0, and he was two points from defeat serving at 4-5, deuce in the second set before storming back.
Monfils’ victory sends him through to the fourth round of the Indian Wells Masters for the sixth time in his last eight appearances. He will battle Casper Ruud for a place in the quarterfinals after Ruud took care of 19-year-old Arthur Fils–a Frenchman at the much different end of the career spectrum–in straight sets.
“I feel better and better, to be honest,” said Monfils. “I’ve been playing weeks after weeks, which has been a long time [since I have been] able to do that. You know, I cannot assure [what will happen] but the thing is I feel good. So far the body is holding (up), so I’m happy with that.
“My first motivation is to be back where I have to be back. I always say it’s tough, but before I hurt myself I was (No.) 15 in the world. I was playing so much. I was actually playing great here (in 2022), beat the world No. 1 (Daniil Medvedev) and discovered the new legend, Carlos Alcaraz. (I) played a tough match against him by playing great tennis (lost in the fourth round), (made) quarters in slams, lost in five-setters, won a tournament (Adelaide). Good year; felt almost I could be back in the top 10.
“Then bad stuff happened, and then I haven’t played for a year…and then a year later. Everybody [when you get old] thinks you’re done. But I still believe I can play.”
The world No. 54 is joined in the round of 16 by Holger Rune, Taylor Fritz, and Tommy Paul. In a showdown between two red-hot players, Paul defeated Ugo Humbert 6-4, 6-4.
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nice one, Gael