“It gives me confidence on my body and on my wrist” – Monfils happy with UTS, turns focus on Atlanta

The Frenchman is not happy with the short turnaround before his first round match at the Atlanta Open on Monday

Image Credit: Thierry Breton

July 24, 2023

Frenchman Gael ‘Le Monf’ Monfils, back in action for the first time since pulling out of the French Open after his first round win in Paris, is feeling good after wrapping up the UTS Los Angeles leg on Sunday, where he lost in the Final 4 to Taylor ‘The Hotshot’ Fritz.

Monfils, who has had a torrid run with injuries over the past year, told reporters in Los Angeles that he is feeling a lot more confident about his body and his wrist after getting a good amount of practice and matches (albeit in a different scoring format) under his belt.

“I was quite happy. I was hitting a strong ball,” the 36-year-old said. “The backhand is so much better. That was a huge question mark before I came. Even today, I was smashing the backhand. I am just happy. Overall playing such a format. It gives me confidence on my body and on my wrist.”

The Frenchman, who will also be in Frankfurt later this year for the European leg of UTS, said he was happy with the innovative format.

“It was great for me. The format is great. The goal for me was to see if I’m fit. Day after day, I was able to play good practice, that for me is a big win.”

“I feel like the other two guys were protected and I feel like I wasn’t “- Monfils on the Atlanta Open schedule

The French veteran now heads to Atlanta for the ATP 250 event where he is scheduled to play Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis on Monday. Monfils admitted he was not happy about the short turnaround given to him but added that he had no choice but to get ready to play soon after landing in Atlanta.

“It’s going to go very bad. I will land tomorrow and go straight on the court. I’m the only player from here who is playing tomorrow. I feel like the other two guys were protected and I feel like I wasn’t,” Monfils said referring to UTS LS winner Yibing Wu and young American Ben Shelton, who were also playing in LA on Sunday but get a rest day in Atlanta.

“I can’t say I’m happy about it. I am happy to go to Atlanta for the first time. I will fly overnight and I will need rest. But it is what it is and I can’t complain. I will do my best and I heard I have some good support there.”

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