Gael Monfils not at the Australian Open
Frenchman Gael Monfils told French broadcaster CANAL+ Sport that he will not start at the Australian Open in early 2023.
by Stefan Bergmann
last edit: Dec 04, 2022, 01:16 pm
Gael Monfils has not had an easy 2022 season. The crowd's favorite from Paris has been struggling with persistent foot problems since spring, which - apart from a brief comeback attempt in Montreal in August - made it impossible for him to take part in the ATP tour until the end of the past season.
The Frenchman announced a brilliant return attempt for the coming season, but has now also decided to skip the start of the year in Australia. This was announced by the 36-year-old father of a daughter with fellow player Elena Svitolina during an interview with the French special-interest channel CANAL + Sport.
Play until 40s
The reason for the deliberately used strategy is the acquisition of a protected ranking, which will make it much easier for the Frenchman to get back on the men's tour if he makes a comeback. "There is the 'Protected Ranking' if you haven't played for a certain number of months. This means that if I miss the Australian Open, I can complete the six months it takes," said the ex- World ranking sixth.
Monfils would like to be ready again for a very important fixed point: the 2024 Olympic Games at home in Paris: "2023 is an important year for me, it's a transitional year between injuries and big goals. I want to be competitive to prepare for to be able to qualify the games." In any case, he doesn't want to miss this one: "I hope 2024 won't be my last year. I said I'd like to play until I'm 40, but the longer I stay with my daughter, the less I feel like it ."