Gael Monfils, the former world No. 6, claimed that playing behind closed doors was incredibly difficult for him since he enjoys putting on a show for the spectators and feeding off their energy.
The ATP postponed the Tour in mid-March 2020 owing to the coronavirus outbreak.
The Tour resumed in August, but it was not the same because fans were not permitted to attend any of the shows.
Monfils had a strong start to the 2020 season, reaching the round of 16 at the Australian Open, winning back-to-back titles in Montpellier and Rotterdam, and reaching the semifinals in Dubai.
“I like to feel the energy of the crowd and that is why it was difficult to play in empty stadiums,” Monfils said, per Punto de Break.
“COVID-19 broke the momentum I was having. I couldn’t handle it. I was playing my best tennis and I almost reached the best ranking position of my career,
“But the Tour suspension ruined everything and then I it took a year and a half to regain momentum.”
Elina Svitolina and Monfils want to be successful together
Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina married a few months ago and have the same dream of becoming world-class athletes.
“We share one goal: to be top-level athletes.
“We both understand the sacrifice it requires, that’s why we train together and we always try to give our best,” Monfils said.
Monfils has had a good tennis career, but he wants to pursue other interests.
“Discipline is extremely important to me. I know that I have my six or seven hours of daily training and based on that I organize my life.
“My parents always taught me to pursue my passion, but also to let go.
“People see me as a man who puts on a show, but they forget that behind I am a human being with emotions and with a family,” Monfils noted.
Monfils last competed in the Indian Wells Masters, where he advanced to the quarterfinals. Monfils will compete in the Tie Break Tens Dubai on Friday.
Read More: Gael Monfils discusses ‘other hobbies’ that will ensure he never limits himself to tennis