Monfils on Nadal: “He’s Our Legend”

By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Tuesday May 28, 2024

Before his night time session match on Monday in Paris, French legend Gael Monfils wanted to take a nap. But earlier than he did that, he wanted to observe the King of Clay on Chatrier.

The 37-year-old, who defeated Thiago Seyboth Wild on Monday, stated it was vital for him to observe Nadal as he took on Alexander Zverev on Court Philippe-Chatrier for one primary cause: Nadal is everyone’s legend.

“It’s important, because he’s our legend,” Monfils stated. “He’s everybody’s legend. He’s back. It’s impossible not to watch him, impossible. When I say it’s important, it’s more than that. I know that I love him whatever happens.”

Nadal confirmed vastly improved type, however nonetheless was defeated by Zverev, 6-3, 7-6, 6-3, on Monday. After the match he advised the group in an emotional speech that he wasn’t certain if he had performed his final match at Roland-Garros.

“The amount of feelings that I had on this amazing court during all my tennis career is just unbelievable,” Nadal stated. “I never dreamed I would be here at almost 38 years old, with all the success I had here, winning so many times – it is something that I never dreamt of.

“For me it’s difficult to say what will happen in the future. It’s a big percentage that I won’t be back at Roland-Garros, but I can’t say 100 percent. I enjoy playing here, I like traveling with the family, and my body is feeling a little bit better than it did two months ago.”

Monfils stated that he was blissful to see the King of Clay enjoying so effectively in Paris, and he believes that the Spaniard might be an element on the Olympic Games in Paris this summer season.

“When I say it’s important, it’s because we all respect him so much, even though we are friends with him. He is the king of clay courts. He’s back, he’s playing. It’s really important to watch.

Monfils was particularly impressed with Nadal’s forehand.

“I was happy because he was hitting a good forehand,” he stated. “He’s not over. He was being pushed, however he put a very good forehand in. But perhaps in two months…

‘Well, I thought it was fantastic to watch. I was happy to watch him.”

And he credited Zverev for having the mental toughness to close out the match in straight sets against a version of Nadal that would have defeated most players in the draw.

“Well done to him,” he said. “Because today Rafa, what Rafa showed us today, well, you know, he would beat so many on the draw, so many.

Zverev was impressed by Nadal’s enhancements over the past a number of weeks as effectively.

“Obviously there’s uncertainty whether or not he will come again and play subsequent 12 months,” he stated. “He’s definitely going to be back for the Olympics. But generally, at Roland Garros, obviously there are uncertainties.

“I think the improvement he’s made over the past few months and just the difference in level that he’s played today compared to his last tournaments was unbelievable. I really felt like it was a very good match.”