Monfils says Humbert is “playing well on clay” ahead of Roland-Garros
Gael Monfils says that Ugo Humbert needs to accept he’s playing well on clay, in a recent episode of the UTS podcast “All on the Table”
Antoine Couvercelle / Panoramic
Ugo Humbert began 2024 with a hiss and a roar, winning two titles in February and surging to a career-high of No 13 in the world.
The European clay swing has been tougher on the Frenchman, however. Humbert is 4-4 across Monte-Carlo, Barcelona, Madrid and Lyon so far this year, with the surface limiting his fast style of play.
Despite these results, compatriot Gael Monfils has been singing his praises in a recent episode of the UTS podcast “All on the Table”. In the conversation–where Monfils, Humbert and Jeremy Chardy went to dinner–the veteran says Humbert is “playing well on clay” ahead of Roland-Garros.
Monfils says Humbert need to accept clay
“For me, you have to accept it,” declared Monfils, as he complemented Humbert on his clay court game. “You’re taking too much time.”
“When I’m listening to you, I’m thinking that you have to be honest with yourself. You’re playing well on clay. It’s a surface you appreciate less, it can happen, but you can perform on it.”
Monfils went on to justify his statement, explaining that “not many players can play three sets with Casper [Ruud], who plays the final in Monte-Carlos and wins Barcelona.” Humbert lost in the quarter-finals of Monte-Carlo, where Ruud defeated him 6-3, 4-6, 6-1.
“You had opportunities,” Monfils said of the Ruud match. “Not many people are doing what you’re doing. For me, you’re like this. Yes, you appreciate clay less, but that doesn’t stop you from doing well.”
“After many years on the Tour, I’m in the same position,” the Frenchman continued. “When I was younger, I loved clay. It was my favourite surface. But now, it’s the surface I hate the most. It’s more physical for me… I’m faking to run fast.”
Humber is in action on Sunday as he takes on Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego in the first match on Court Suzanne Lenglen.
