Modified Aug 10, 2023 03:00 GMT

Gael Monfils not too long ago mentioned the completely different sports activities he desires his daughter Skai to discover. He additionally opened up about taking part in blended doubles along with his spouse Elina Svitolina.

Monfils defeated fourth-seed Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 6-3 in a single hour and 25 minutes within the second spherical on the 2023 Canadian Open on Wednesday. This was the Frenchman’s 350th tour-level win on hardcourts. It additionally marked his first victory in opposition to a prime 5 opponent since his conquer former World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev in Indian Wells final yr.

During the post-match press convention, Gael Monfils mentioned how he desires his daughter Skai to pursue any sport she needs. However, he personally would not need her to select tennis.

Nonetheless, Monfils emphasised that if Skai decides to select up a tennis racket, he’ll absolutely assist her determination, as it is going to in the end be her personal want.

“To be honest, she will do whatever she wants. But deep inside, you know, I hope she pick up something else than the tennis racket: golf, soccer, basketball. But if she wants to play tennis, she play tennis. But inside, I wish she could try another sport, to be honest. But whatever she wants,” Monfils stated.

The 36-year-old was additionally requested if he wished to play blended doubles along with his spouse Elina Svitolina. He said that he noticed no motive why they should not be part of forces and compete collectively.

However, Gael Monfils acknowledged that, at current, juggling each singles and doubles matches wouldn’t be possible for him. He additionally expressed his intention to concentrate on doubles in the direction of the top of his profession and play with Svitolina.

“And why not? You know, why not to play once a mixed double? Why not? But the thing is, you know, it’s tough for me to play single and doubles, you know. But I feel like when it will be the end, I will try to double up. And hopefully, it’s not next year (smiling),” Monfils stated.

Gael Monfils opens up on desirous to spend extra time with daughter Skai at residence

Following his win in opposition to Christopher Eubanks within the first spherical of the Canadian Open, Gael Monfils revealed that his workforce, together with Elina Svitolina, desires him to proceed taking part in. However, the Frenchman expressed his need to spend extra high quality time at residence along with his daughter Skai.

Monfils acknowledged his 20-year profession in skilled tennis and expressed his need to step by step lower his commitments, with the purpose of prioritizing high quality time with Skai.

“You know, and I feel like my team, my wife, everybody want me to keep playing. But to be honest, you know, when I spend time, you know, at home with my daughter, you know, this is it. To be honest, this is it. It’s been 20 years I’m doing that, so this is it for me,” Gael Monfils stated.

Gael Monfils additionally stated that Svitolina’s younger age will allow her to compete for a lot of extra years. However, the 36-year-old affirmed his personal ardour for the sport, which serves as his driving drive to follow diligently.

“My wife is still young. She can compete for many years. So that’s why, you know, I told her it’s way different where I’m at now. I love the game, so that drive me to motivate me to practice and then go away. But to be honest, home is great too. Home is great too,” Monfils added.