‘The dream is to win a Grand Slam,’ says Gael Monfils after winning back-to-back Rotterdam titles
Gael Monfils’ hot streak continues as he not only successfully defended his ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament trophy, but also took his winning streak to nine matches following his success in Montpellier a week ago.
Just a week after winning the Open Sud de France for a third time, Monfils brushed aside Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-2, 6-4 to make it back-to-back titles in Rotterdam.
On his FIFTH championship point, @Gael_Monfils wraps up his second-consecutive @abnamrowtt title 🏆 pic.twitter.com/xUFkmP9Oup
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 16, 2020
The Frenchman broke in games five and seven of the opening set and then raced into a 5-1 lead in the second after two early breaks.
He wasted four match points as Auger-Aliassime reduced the deficit in game eight, but eventually go the job done on match point No 5.
“It’s an amazing feeling for the first time for me to back it up, year after year, week after week,” Monfils said. “It is a different feeling I have never experienced in my career, so I feel grateful.”
Monfils is currently ranked No 9 in the ATP Rankings while he reached two Grand Slam semi-finals, the last of which came in 2016, but he is setting his sights much higher.
“[In the FedEx ATP Rankings, I want] to reach the fifth spot,” said Monfils. “I have been sixth. [I would like] to reach the final at another Masters 1000, why not try to win one and keep the dream alive?
“The dream is to win a Grand Slam and that is what I am playing for and training for. It is tough, but I believe that maybe one day I will be lucky enough to win one.”
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @T365Official.
Latest
-
ATP TourDaniil Medvedev closing in on career milestone as he returns to action this week
Daniil Medvedev will become the first player outside the ‘Big Four’ to claim a top two spot in the ATP rankings this week.
-
ATP Tour‘I’m pumped to be competing again’ – Andy Murray steps up his comeback in Rotterdam
Andy Murray has declared he is ready to step up his latest comeback effort, as he prepares to compete in the ATP 500 event in Rotterdam.
-
Tennis NewsHistoric day for Novak Djokovic as he equals Roger Federer’s record of weeks as world No.1
Djokovic is guaranteed to set a new mark next week.
-
ATP TourDavid Goffin ends long wait for an ATP title with a win in Montpellier
David Goffin captured his first ATP Tour title for more than three years by winning the Open Sud de France in Montpellier.
-
Tennis NewsRoger Federer sends his fans into a frenzy with Twitter post ahead of his return to action
Roger Federer fans are counting down to his return to action in Doha next week and his tweet teasing his return instantly became a big hit.
-
Tennis NewsIga Swiatek’s perfect week as she claims her second WTA title
Iga Swiatek won her second career WTA title with victory over Belinda Bencic in the final of the Adelaide International.
-
NewsJamie Murray says quarantine threat on tour means players must be ready to adapt
The doubles specialist plans to travel to tournaments in Mexico and Miami next month without knowing what to expect on arrival.
-
Tennis NewsBattle of the Brits event is back and this time with spectators
The Battle of the Brits events were a huge success during the Covid-19 crisis and now they are set to return with spectators.
-
Tennis FeaturesThe only way is up for Naomi Osaka as she looks to replicate hard-court success on clay and grass
Oli Jefford on the world being Naomi Osaka’s oyster.
-
Kevin PalmerBritain’s strength in depth in doubles highlights quality of structure
British tennis may be wondering who can replace Andy Murray, but they have a very different story to tell in the doubles arena.