“I think I have done what I want in a way. If I do more, it’s bonus” – Monfils after reaching third round at Australian Open

France’s Gael Monfils is no longer chasing any specific goal on the pro tour. The 38-year-old Frenchman, who is into his third decade as a pro on the ATP Tour, admits that he could easily walk away from the game as he is happy with his achievements on court.

Monfils extended his winning streak to seven on Thursday as he defeated Germany’s Daniel Altmaier 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 to move into the third round of the Australian Open. It marks the 12th time that he has advanced to the last 32 in Melbourne in 19 main draw appearances.

I’ve been fortunate at the beginning of the season. Felt the body good. Felt I was hitting good. I’m just surfing on the moment.

Speaking to the media after his win, Monfils admitted that he has no specific goals to accomplish before he hangs up his rackets.

“I can finish now. I think I have done what I want in a way. If I do more, it’s bonus. I’m happy,” the Frenchman said.

“As I always say from day one, for me the most important is the health. It’s just a part of my life. It’s very nice, beautiful. Tennis give me everything, you know, I can even imagine, so I am already blessed. The rest is bonus.”

Monfils, who plays fourth seed Taylor Fritz next, said his main goal is to remain consistent and healthy.

“Try to be consistent. Try to stay healthy as much as I can. End of last year I was playing pretty great tennis, felt good, felt a bit short because I got sick. Then I have a time-out and enjoy with my daughter. Then I could put up some work. I’ve been fortunate at the beginning of the season. Felt the body good. Felt I was hitting good. I’m just surfing on the moment,” Monfils added.

Monfils and Fritz have played only once in the past. That match came right here at the Australian Open in 2019 when Fritz beat the Frenchman in four tough sets in the second round.

The American had little trouble beating Chile’s Cristian Garin 6-2, 6-1, 6-0 to move into the third round. Fritz has dropped only eight games in his first two matches in Melbourne and is on a six-match winning streak of his own.