Despite an injury to his right hand contracted while playing a video game, Gaël Monfils, 10th player in the world, tackles the Australian Open and his first round against the Taiwanese Yen-Hsun Lu (532nd) with confidence and envy. The 33-year-old Frenchman ensures at a press conference to have better sensations than at the end of last season.
What was your state of mind before the first Grand Slam tournament of the season?
I feel good. I had a little truncated preparation because I was injured last December, so I couldn't play as much as I wanted. But I have caught up with playing a lot more these past few days so I feel pretty good. I'm happy to arrive here in the world top 10, my goal. Am I one of the favorites? I will say that I am perhaps the tenth favorite.
What is this injury and how did you injure yourself?
I have bone edema in my right hand. I was playing a video game in my bedroom and I clapped my right hand against the headboard. The real treatment would be rest, but since I can't, I take anti-inflammatory drugs and put on ice. But it's better, it's rather positive even if some days after big sessions I have to take the next day to recover. I still find it hard to fly, I don't volley too much. "
Are you afraid of being out of rhythm?
No, because I made two matches at the ATP Cup against Chilean Garin and against Novak Djokovic. Then I trained well, I spent time on the field. I would have liked to do even more but I still have good feelings. It's up to me to find the right rhythm gradually. I feel better than at the end of last year when I played very badly. I think I had accumulated too many games. There I feel good, I have the desire so I am happy ".
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