By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Tuesday October 27, 2020
After starting 2020 in perhaps the finest form of his career, Gael Monfils’ 2020 season came to a close after a difficult run of four consecutive post-pandemic losses.
The 34-year-old World No.11 announced that he will pull the plug on his season, effective immediately, on his Twitch channel on Tuesday.
“I don't have good feelings," he said. "I have a discomfort with the service that comes from too much tension. It was necessary to cut the negative spiral. I can not give the best of myself."
Monfils reeled off a career-best 12 consecutive victories in February, and was 16-2 at one point in the season. But after failing to convert three match points against Novak Djokovic in the semifinals at Dubai, the Frenchman lost all four of his matches after tennis restarted this summer. He ends his season with a record of 16-7 and five consecutive losses, but plans to come back with full energy in 2021.
Monfils will turn 35 next September.
Earlier in 2020, Monfils stated that he was still motivated to win a Grand Slam and reach the top 5 in the rankings.
“I love the game,” he said at this year’s Australian Open. “You know, I love the game. 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.”
At this year’s ATP Cup, Monfils said that the Top 5 was a realistic goal for himself.
“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.”
Unfortunately the Frenchman’s momentum was crushed by the pandemic. Maybe in 2021, he can find his inspiration once again.