France's Gael Monfils returns the ball to Italy's Paolo Lorenzi during the first round of the ATP Qatar Open tennis competition in Doha on January 2, 2018. / AFP / KARIM JAAFAR
Doha: Frenchman Gael Monfils returning back to tennis action after a break wants to get back to playing near perfect tennis.
A three-time Doha finalist and who was handed a wildcard Monfils reached the quarter-finals of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open on Wednesday.
The former World No.6 , who has slipped to 36 rank, is playing for the first time since the US Open after suffering an injury during the Grand Slam event.
“I feel happy to be back on the tour. I feel happy to have those two matches under my belt. Still, you know, I can play better. I can play better. I can, I think, play better. I think it's just matter of time and confidence. I try to give my best every day during the practice, on the courts. And then I really looking forward the match where I will feel much better,” said Monfils.
In Qatar, he defeated Jan-Lennard Struff by 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 in just 80 minutes to reach his first quarter-final since Eastbourne in June.
“Hopefully, soon I get back my seeded ranking. It's a matter I believe. I'm working hard, try to get back to the top of the game again,” said Monfils.
The 31-year-old, who featured in three finals but is yet to win a title in Qatar said he enjoys playing at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.
“I really enjoy it to be play here. It's good court condition, but I should say it's changed a lot since the last time. I was not expecting that. But always, you know, you are welcomed here and it gives you a good feeling. So that for sure helps,” he said.
“I had a long time off, a long time without seeing competition. So i need to be on the court more to enjoy. I missed the competition, all the spirit. So I'm more than happy to be back. And wins just help to have more matches and build a better confidence.” said Monfils.
