Melbourne (AFP)
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 claims to have better sensations than at the end of last season.
QUESTION: What was your state of mind before the first Grand Slam tournament of the season?
ANSWER: "I feel good. I had a little bit of preparation because I was injured last December, so I couldn't play as much as I wanted. But I made up for it by playing a lot more these last few days so I’m feeling pretty good. I’m happy to be in the top 10 in the world, my goal. Am I one of the favorites? I’m going to say that I’m maybe the tenth favorite.
Q: What is this injury and how did you injure yourself?
A: "I have bone edema in my right hand. I was playing a video game in my bedroom and I hit my right hand against the headboard. The real treatment would be rest, but since I can't I take anti-inflammatory drugs and I put on ice. But it's better, it's pretty positive even if some days after big sessions I have to take the next day to recover. I'm still having trouble coming on the fly, I don't volley too much. "
Q: Are you afraid of being out of pace?
A: "No, because I played two ATP Cup games against Chilean Garin and against Novak Djokovic. Then I trained well, I spent some time on the field. I would have liked to do more 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 was playing very badly. I think I had accumulated too many games. I feel good, I have the desire so I am happy ".
Comments gathered at a press conference
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