Gael Monfils: "I am tired of the incessant and futile controversies"



by LORENZO CIOTTI

Gael Monfils: "I am tired of the incessant and futile controversies"
© Matthew Stockman / Staff Getty Images Sport

Gael Monfils was not happy about the criticism he received in the last few hours on social media, triggered after the argument he had on the Laver Cup court with Felix Auger-Aliassime. The expert French tennis player decided to write a long message on social media to express his disappointment.

The Frenchman, husband of the Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina, explained: "I am tired of these incessant and futile controversies. Some people seem to get excited by trifles. I'm annoyed by people who make hasty judgments.

Some might think that because I smile and have fun, I'm not serious. Of course, my vision may be different, but I always try to follow the guidelines given to me.

At 37 I'm just trying to make the most of every moment. When I was asked to participate in the Laver Cup I was honoured.

With my current ranking, outside the top 100 at this age, I even thought it was a joke.

But I take this opportunity very seriously, for the event, for my team and above all for me. Traveling to Vancouver and leaving my family again isn't the easiest thing.

But, despite everything, I continue to practice my profession with passion and sincerity, as I always have.

And, without irony, I have to admit that I am paid very well for this and that the conditions are exceptional. I know, some will say that I haven't accomplished anything, that I'm a clown...

But the truth is that I'm happy and fulfilled.

I want to say that the Laver Cup is a fantastic event and I intend to make the most of the end of my weekend. Let's go Team Europe!"

What happened

Felix Auger-Aliassime and Gael Monfils competed at the Laver Cup, in the center of Rogers Arena in Vancouver, and their match generated a heated discussion between the two, as well as various controversies.

An argument suddenly ignited, on the first day of racing on the calendar, the 2023 edition of the Laver Cup, therefore, under the amazed eyes of the crowd. The Frenchman was having too much fun for the Canadian, annoyed by some of his opponent's behaviour.

So, Felix explained himself and started arguing during a change of ends. The episode naturally did not go unnoticed and the journalists asked what had happened to the Canadian player at the end of the match.

Gael Monfils Laver Cup Felix Auger-aliassime