Gaël Monfils: ‘I’m getting a little bit old. People

The Frenchman has battled with injuries and perceptions to remain one of tennis’s great entertainers at the age of 37

At any tournament in almost any part of the world, one of the certainties over the past 20 years is that whenever Gaël Monfils plays, fans are present. Tennis, after all, is entertainment, and there have been few greater entertainers than the 37-year-old. He is one of the purest athletes the sport has seen and displays immense skill, feel and showmanship. At his best, Monfils makes tennis look so easy.

But the Frenchman is adamant that it is not. Especially not in the final years of his career: “[People say] ‘Ah, Monfils is not disciplined’,” he says smiling, from the grounds of the Italian Open on the eve of the tournament. “Guys, don’t think this because I’m enjoying myself on the court. The work I do outside is big.”