Monfils on Alcaraz: “I see him as Novak, as Rafa, as Roger” | ATP Tour

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Monfils on Alcaraz: “I see him as Novak, as Rafa, as Roger”

The Frenchman faces the Spanish star

August 15, 2024

Gael Monfils lives for showtime. That’s exactly what he’ll experience Thursday afternoon at the Cincinnati Open when he takes on second-seeded Carlos Alcaraz.

Monfils and Alcaraz are two of the most entertaining players on the ATP tour and never leave fans without a good time. The Frenchman has the utmost respect for this year’s Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion.

“Big, obviously, big. He’s a complete athlete, a ton of speed, endurance, power, and then his tennis, of course, is pretty complete as well,” Monfils said. “Backhand, forehand, it’s pretty hard to see where he can sit. [y esperar]”He has improved a lot in returning, serving very well. He is a very, very complete player.”

Alcaraz is at a crucial point in his season. The 21-year-old is second in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin and is trying to position himself for his battle with top-ranked Jannik Sinner for ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by PIF .

The Spaniard, a four-time major champion, has impressed Monfils. “At the moment, of course, I see him as Novak, as Rafa, as Roger,” Monfils said. “So for me he’s a bit younger, but he’s already a great player.” [como] “those legends.”

Alcaraz leads Monfils 2-0 in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series with both straight-sets wins, including one earlier this year in Miami. But Monfils, a former world No. 6, always appreciates the chance to play an opponent like Alcaraz.

“For me, it’s always great to play against a big star like Carlos or Jannik,” Monfils said. “Of course, at my age it was Novak or whoever, but to play against those young guys, it’s always a pleasure. It’s going to be a lot of fun for me. Obviously, very tough. But it’s going to be something that I’ll of course remember in a couple of years.”

Whether on the practice court, after the match or elsewhere in the venue, Monfils remains a favourite with fans. The Frenchman will try to thrill them once again at the Lindner Family Tennis Centre.

“I love the fans. I love the energy,” Monfils said. “Always. I always say that when I come back to the States it’s like my second home.”