PARIS : France’s Gael Monfils said he hopes to extend his career into his 40s following an emotional farewell to Roland Garros, drawing inspiration from sporting icons such as Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James as he prepares for the final stretch of his tennis journey.
The 39-year-old Frenchman bowed out of the French Open after a five-set defeat to compatriot Hugo Gaston on Monday, leaving Court Philippe Chatrier to a standing ovation after more than two decades on the professional circuit.
Monfils, who turns 40 in September, said he intends to continue playing through the remainder of the season before retiring on home soil at the Paris Masters.
“Why do I want to get to the States? Because I want to play until 40. My wish is to be an athlete that plays until 40 years old,” Monfils told reporters.
“Like Stan (Wawrinka), LeBron, Cristiano, (Patrice) Evra, like all of the athletes who have managed to continue their sport until the age of 40.
“That’s what I want to do. You know that whatever happens this summer, I’m locked in to train.”
The former world number six, known for his athleticism and flair, acknowledged that competing on clay has become increasingly demanding as he nears the end of his career.
Monfils said he hopes to feature at Wimbledon, Montreal and the U.S. Open before concluding his career in Paris later this year.
“Hopefully Wimbledon. Then need to decide if we go to Washington or not,” he said.
“I think we will ask Montreal, hopefully. I want to say goodbye to Montreal. Obviously I will ask the French Federation to have the U.S. Open wildcard. Hopefully I will have this one.”
Monfils added that his schedule for the Asian swing remained uncertain, but confirmed plans to play at Lyon, Vienna and the Paris Masters before retirement.
The 13-time ATP title winner reached the French Open semi-finals in 2008 and was part of France’s Davis Cup campaigns in 2010 and 2014.
