"Marriage only positive for me in 2021" says Gael Monfils

The thing in question is closely related to his partner Elina Svitolina as they became a married couple midway through the year. The relationships of Svitolina and Monfils became public knowledge a few years ago during the Australian Open when he was spotted sitting in her box. They quickly became one of the most prominent tennis couples on the Tour which was only boosted by their shared Instagram profile.

Monfils talked before about his struggle with tennis during the pandemic as the Frenchman could not find the motivation to play for empty stands. He once again reiterated that saying:

“It undermined me. When I tried to come back, it was very complicated. There was no audience. I had no energy, did not want to play in these conditions. It was very hard for me. This moment, I lived it badly, personally and professionally."

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Reflecting on the year more he admitted that his marriage is the only positive he is taking from it:

“The only positive thing I take away from 2021 is my marriage. Truly a bad year, a horrible year. I don't even have a word. I'm forgetting it this year. From mid-2020 to 2021, that no longer exists for me."

Now he is finally motivated again explaining he had a great offseason:

“I feel good, I did a good prep. We worked well with Günter and Richard (Ruckelshausen) . It was really good. I arrived here pretty well... I don't put too much pressure on these first tournaments. The goal is to get in good shape in two weeks (for the Australian Open).. I'm pretty good, with a lot of desire. Want to play well right away, don't wait until the middle of the year."