Gael Monfils ‘tired of incessant controversies’ after Auger-Aliassime Laver Cup incident
Gael Monfils has hit back at claims he is not taking the Laver Cup seriously following an incident with Team World member Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Monfils made his Laver Cup debut this year as part of Team Europe, but lost 13-2 to Team World, led by John McEnroe.
The Frenchman competed in singles and doubles matches, losing both in straight sets, but it was his singles match against Auger-Aliassime that became the talk of the town.
During the break, Auger-Aliassime complained that Monfils was taking too long between points and suggested that exhibition tournaments should be played by the same rules as ATP events.
Auger-Aliassime told the referee, “I can fight, too,” and Monfils ended up talking to his Canadian opponent.
During the second half of the game, Monfils told his European teammates who were sitting on the bench: “They called me and said, ‘You can be free.’ Personally, I’m here to have fun.”
“I can play games too…” 👀
It’s only day one, but the match between Gael Monfils and Felix Auger-Aliassime is already exciting 🔥# LaverCup pic.twitter.com/l19YuF2qhn
– Eurosport (@eurosport) 23. September 2023
This comment led some to argue that Monfils did not take the match seriously enough after the 4-6, 3-6 loss.
However, Gael Monfils strongly denied these claims on social media, stating: Some people seem to get irritated by trivial things. I get angry at people who judge hastily. Some people may think I’m not serious because I’m laughing and having fun.
“Sure, my vision may be different, but I always try to follow the guidelines given to me. At 37 years old, I try to make the most of every moment. When I was asked to participate in the Laver Cup, I felt honored. I thought it was a joke since my current ranking is outside the top 100 at my age.”
He continued: “But I take this opportunity very seriously, for the event, for the team, and especially for myself. It’s not easy to travel to Vancouver and be away from my family again. But also for everything. Regardless, I continue to approach my profession with the same passion and integrity as always.
“And I have to admit without a wink that I am paid very well for the job and the conditions are exceptional. I haven’t achieved anything, I’m a clown. , some people might say… But the truth is, I’m happy and fulfilled. I would like to say that the Laver Cup is a great event.”
Je suis lassé de ces polémiques incessantes et futiles. Certaines personnes semblent s’enflammer pour des broutilles. Je suis agacé par ceux qui portent des jugements hâtifs. Certains pourraient penser que, parce que je souris et que je m’amuse, je ne suis pas sérieux. Certes, ma… pic.twitter.com/CG2N0tkU1D
– Gael Monfils (@Gael_Monfils) 23. September 2023
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