'People wanted me to quit tennis,' Gael Monfils gets brutally honest about his reality as he learns to weed out the insignificant chatter

Well, when I said that (people laughing at him) last year, I was 400 in the world. But I'm not even thinking about that, because last year I wrote various articles on LinkedIn and I read them recently, and a year ago I had the impression that people wanted me to quit tennis. I was 400 in the world. People don't let you believe in your own dreams. People don't know you. Gael Monfils to the Monte Carlo Press

As time flies by, Monfils has come to realize the importance of genuine fans, who are there to support him despite the result. Unlike the haters, Monfils has rediscovered his motto in the sport, which is about winning and coming back to a good level at the age of 37.

This is why I try to have interactions with my real fans. I don't need to win 20 tournaments, but if I win one match here, another match there, this is what it is about. Gael Monfils added

On the business side of things, the Frenchman is up against one of the most consistent players on tour, Daniil Medvedev. After getting past the first round, he finds himself face-to-face with the Russian, as they play for a spot in the round of 16. 

Gael Monfils edges past Aleksandar Vukic at the Monte-Carlo Masters

Back in form, Gael Monfils has received a wildcard entry into the main draw of the Monte Carlo Masters. After performing well in a couple of tournaments in the US, Monfils heads to the clay courts, where he was initially scheduled to play Jordan Thompson in the first round. 

However, there was a slight turn of events, and Monfils had to play American lucky-loser Aleksandar Vukic instead. Nonetheless, the Frenchman came back from the first set to win the match 6(7)-7,6-3,7-5. It was an interesting match, with both the players going all-out in the match.

Ultimately, it was Monfils who narrowly edged past Vukic to set up a second-round clash against Daniil Medvedev. This will be the first match for the Russian on clay this season, who is also looking to get some more wins behind him. Two talented stars will face off for the third time in their careers, promising a close match.