'Don't Really Want To Stop': Monfils Opens Up About Extending His Career

Gael Monfils has dealt with many injuries in the past year, but he's keen on keeping his career alive despite the struggles.

Monfils, like many others, is pretty aware that his best days are long gone. He's got more to give to tennis but it's becoming tougher with every day because the sport becomes more demanding while his body gets older.

During his peak, Monfils was susceptible to injuries, and it hasn't gotten any better over the years. He's always been a player whose body held him back more than his talent. Now, at 37, Monfils hopes for one last push, and he's capable of it.

He won the Stockholm Open this year, proving that he has more to give, but doing so is an entirely different matter. In a talk with Stuff.co.nz, Monfils revealed how he plans to extend his career for a bit more.

The reality is I love the sport. I really enjoy being on a tennis court. It’s something I can’t deny and it’s just amazing to be out there. I’ve had a couple of moments where I’ve had tough conversations with Nicolas (Lamperin, his agent and also the Classic’s tournament director) and Elina. But I’m happy with everything I’ve done.

Monfils will start his 2024 season at the ASB Classic in Auckland, where his agent Lamperin works as a tournament director. It's just a nice way for him to ease himself into the season, which could very well be his last ever.

Nobody knows because one bad injury could end it all. He's pretty content with his career, so he's not doing this to better his legacy or anything. He just loves to play the sport.

I’m happy in my life, I don’t need more, I just want to enjoy this and I guess Nicolas and Elina have had good words to push me to go a bit more. Inside, I don’t really want to stop, but of course, it is tougher to travel and make the sacrifices. But I’ve still got this little fire and that helps me to keep going.