Monfils to Humbert: “You must accept that you can play on clay”

Gaël Monfils, Jérémy Chardy and Ugo Humbert chatting over a good meal in a restaurant, that’s what the UTS is offering us in the sixth episode of its ‘All on the table’ show. While the full video will be released next Wednesday, we were treated to a first extract which was posted on social networks on Saturday.

Former French No 1 Monfils brings all his experience and his point of view to current French No 1 Ugo Humbert. For ‘La Monf’, his young compatriot, coached by Jérémy Chardy, needs to accept the fact that he plays well on clay, even if it’s a surface he enjoys less than hard court or grass.

“You need to accept more quickly that you play well on clay,” Monfils explained to Humbert. “I think you have to be honest with yourself; you can play well on clay. It’s a surface you enjoy less but you know how to perform on it.”

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HUMBERT PUSHED RUUD TO THREE SETS IN MONTE-CARLO

Ugo Humbert, ranked 15th in the world, has only won once in six appearances at Roland Garros. But since last year, the Frenchman has had some good results on clay. In particular, he won two 175 Challengers in 2023 (Cagliari and Bordeaux) and reached the quarter-finals of the Monte-Carlo Masters 1000 in 2024, taking Ruud to a deciding set before finally losing.

“Not many players would win two 175s and not many players would play three sets against Casper Ruud, finalist in Monte-Carlo and winner in Barcelona,” continues Gaël Monfils. “So yes, you don’t like clay, but you know how to perform.

“Over the years, I’ve found myself in the same situation as you. When I was younger I loved clay but now it’s the surface I hate the most. It’s more physical for me.”

Monfils won just two matches in three clay-court tournaments in 2024 in the run-up to Roland-Garros.

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