"He’s someone who changed the game with the way he played": Gael Monfils sympathises with Kei Nishikori's injury problems as his final Australian Open looms

Gaël Monfils arrives at the Australian Open feeling refreshed and content, embracing both the familiarity of Melbourne and the perspective that comes with a long career at the top of the sport. The Frenchman will play his final Australian Open with his career ending at the end of 2026.

“I feel great so far,” Monfils said ahead of the tournament. “Melbourne is always a nice place — a really, really great way to start the year — so I just feel great.”

Now 36, the Frenchman is one of the most recognisable figures on the ATP Tour, and his continued presence on the sport’s biggest stages has not gone unnoticed by his peers. During his press conference, Monfils was asked about longtime rival Kei Nishikori, who was forced to withdraw from the Australian Open due to injury.

Monfils related closely to Nishikori’s situation, having endured his own physical setbacks at the same age. “I actually got hurt at 36 years old as well — almost a year out,” he explained. “It’s not easy. It’s not the best, it’s not ideal.”

Despite the challenges, Monfils expressed strong belief in Nishikori’s ability to fight back, highlighting both his work ethic and impact on the sport.

“I’m sure he’s putting in all the work to put himself in a position where he can play maybe a couple more years, or even one more year,” Monfils said. “I know he’s a hard worker, so he will definitely make even more sacrifices. For me, he’s a champion — a big champion. He’s someone who changed the game with the way he played. His legacy is big, so I have no doubt that if he wants to challenge himself, he will succeed.”

Reflecting on his own journey, Monfils described this stage of his career as a period of adjustment rather than certainty, acknowledging that longevity at the top brings unfamiliar challenges.

“I’m quite good,” he said. “It’s a little bit different for me because it’s something you can’t really learn or predict, so I’m in a learning process. I’m quite happy with the people around me who are helping me get through this new experience, and so far, it’s OK.”

Beyond personal matters, Monfils was also asked about broader changes within the sport, including discussions around the ATP’s long-term calendar plans and the introduction of a new Masters-level tournament in Saudi Arabia from 2028.

While careful not to speculate too much, Monfils welcomed the idea of tennis expanding into new regions.

“To be honest, I don’t know that much about it,” he admitted. “I know about the new one in Saudi Arabia, and I think it will be great because it brings tennis to a new country, and that’s always great.”

However, when it comes to potential reductions in ATP 250 tournaments to make room for bigger events, Monfils acknowledged the complexity of the issue.

“About the rest, I don’t really know enough, so it’s tough for me to answer,” he said.