Gael Monfils continues his resurgence by besting Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round of the Canadian Open 6-4, 6-3. After grappling with injuries in 2022, which resulted in his ranking plummeting to No. 394, Monfils has exhibited a steady climb to No. 276.
His victory over Tsitsipas, who was riding high on a recent title victory, stands out due to Monfils’ calculated approach. Monfils’ strategic prowess secured him a place in the third round in Toronto, further boosting his standing in the rankings.
Daddy duties 😍⏰@Gael_Monfils | @NBOtoronto | #NBO23 pic.twitter.com/NvFdByR9bZ
— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 9, 2023
Following his win, Monfils etched a lovable message onto the camera lens, saying “Gnite Skai,” as a testament to his affection for his daughter. This gesture added a personal touch to his triumph and showcased his emotional connection to his family.
Monfils and his wife, Svitolina, who are both actively playing tournaments in the hectic North American tennis season, have been unable to bring their baby girl, who was born only in October last year. Both miss Skai to the tee and FaceTime with her whenever they get time. It is quite evident that Gael Monfils has her adorable daughter always in his thoughts, even during his tournaments.
Does Gael Monfils want her daughter to pursue tennis?
Gael Monfils dominated the second round of the 2023 Canadian Open on Wednesday, triumphing over fourth-seed Stefanos Tsitsipas with a commanding victory that took just an hour and 25 minutes. This impressive feat marks his maiden triumph against a top-5 opponent, since his return to tennis after suffering multiple injuries while being subjected to the rigors of the tour.
Gael Monfils left a message for his daughter on the camera after beating Tsitsipas.
“Good night Skaï” 🥹 pic.twitter.com/PzqFlZcEqp
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 9, 2023
In the post-match press conference, Gael Monfils candidly shared his thoughts about his daughter Skai’s potential sporting pursuits. Monfils revealed his preference for Skai to explore a diverse range of sports, voicing a personal inclination against her choosing tennis.
He expressed, “Honestly, she’s free to follow her own path. But deep down, I’m hoping she goes for something other than a tennis racket: maybe golf, soccer, basketball – you name it.” Further Monfils elaborated that if she still insists on pursuing a tennis career, he will back her up all the way.
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He concluded by saying, “After all, it’s her call.” While Monfils may have a preferred direction for his daughter’s sports journey, he underlined his unconditional support for her choices. He assured that if Skai ultimately decides on tennis, he would stand firmly behind her decision.