Gael Monfils has urged a more realistic perspective regarding the criticism aimed at French players for their inability to win the French Open in recent years. The 38-year-old highlighted that Rafael Nadal has won more titles at Roland Garros than Monfils has throughout his entire career. Since Yannick Noah’s victory in 1983, no male French player has claimed the singles title at the prestigious tournament.
Monfils, who won three junior Grand Slam titles in 2004, was once seen as a potential breakthrough player for France. However, despite his talent, the former world No. 6 has yet to secure a French Open title or triumph in any other major tournament.
His best performance at Roland Garros came in 2008 when he reached the semifinals, only to be defeated by Roger Federer. Monfils has also reached the quarterfinals three times, with two of those losses to Federer and one to Andy Murray.
Reflecting on the dominance of legends like Nadal, Monfils noted, “Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic have all won at least 20 Grand Slams each. It’s just mind-blowing. Rafa has more Roland Garros titles than I have ATP titles. Nadal won Roland Garros 14 times, while Pete Sampras, a tennis legend, won 14 Grand Slam titles overall. Everyone wondered who would surpass Pete Sampras, and then Nadal wins Roland Garros 14 times. And we wonder: why hasn’t a Frenchman won? I’m not as strong… Even Federer, who is a legend, has only won it once,” he said during a conversation with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga posted on his YouTube channel.
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