French tennis professional Gael Monfils expressed satisfaction on Saturday about motivating Black athletes to pursue success in tennis, noting that his upcoming retirement will provide him with better perspective on his career’s influence.
The athlete began his professional career in 2004 and captured 13 ATP championships, though his captivating playing style featuring spectacular displays and physical prowess earned him devoted followers both in France and internationally.
As the 39-year-old prepares for his last French Open tournament and career conclusion at season’s end, he acknowledged that he hasn’t yet fully grasped his impact while actively competing.
“Of course, now that I’m finishing, I think I’ll see a bit more,” Monfils told reporters.
“I think when you’re in it, it’s tough to look around (and see) how much influence you have had. I’m very grateful if I’ve inspired some players.
“Of course I know some young kids, they like my style, the way I play, the way I move, for the Black community also to see someone on the tour … I think it was important.
“I inspired some Black players to say yeah, they can make it … So I’ll see it a bit later and during this last year.”
The tennis star participated in a special exhibition match on Court Philippe Chatrier on Thursday, where the ceremony combined tennis action, musical performances and honors recognizing his twenty-year professional journey.
Former world number one Naomi Osaka, who participated in the tribute event, praised Monfils for his contribution to expanding the sport through his visibility and achievements.
“Yeah, seeing representation is so important, and on the women’s side, for me growing up, I had Serena and Venus (Williams), so I was so grateful to them,” Osaka, who has a Haitian-American father and a Japanese mother, said.
“On the men’s side I always looked up to him and (Jo-Wilfried) Tsonga for such a long time. It’s just so important. And obviously there’s a wave of Black French guys coming up. I can see that he’s inspired … a lot of players here.
“I really love the way he carries himself and the way he represents us. He’s just such a really cool guy. It’s nice to talk to him now, because we talk about our kids. It’s just a funny thing to have in common with him.”
Monfils will face fellow French player Hugo Gaston in his first-round match at Roland Garros as he attempts to prolong his farewell appearance at the French Open, which begins on Sunday.
