Photo Source: Mark Peterson/ Corleve

Gael Monfils still believes he has what it takes to become France’s first men’s singles Grand Slam winner since 1983. The window has not closed, insists the 32-year-old.

After taking down Ernests Gulbis in straight sets on Day 6 in Melbourne the flying Frenchman says that he is still motivated by the possibility of doing the unthinkable.



“I love the game,” Monfils said. “I love waking up every morning with the goal to win for the first time a slam. I love to play big matches. I think it's, yeah, it's that keep me, keep the fire in me, keep myself on alert. And also still I have a strong belief I can make it.”

You think you can win a Slam? A reporter wanted to know.

“Yeah,” he replied.

Monfils, 33, has also stated previously that he wants to see if he can break into the Top 5 this season. His previous career-best ranking is No.6 in the world, but he has not been that high since January of 2017.

Ahead of the ATP Cup Monfils stated his goal of getting into the Top 5 for the first time.

“I had a great year last year and I tried to set my goals a bit higher than it was for last year,” Monfils told reporters. “So, obviously, I really want to be in the top-5, so I will do anything that's possible, working-wise and with my team, to find the keys to try to enter this very short circle. It will be hard with the guys that are coming up and also with the older players. I think the top-50 is very strong. So I don't put any pressure on myself. I try to do what I can do best.”

The lone Frenchman remaining in the singles draw will face Dominic Thiem in the round of 16 on Monday in Melbourne. Thiem owns the 5-0 edge against him lifetime, and Monfils knows he has his work cut out.

“I feel fine physically, so that will help,” Monfils said. “I think it's a challenge that I will have to face.”