MONTE CARLO, Monaco—It’s been 20 years since Gael Monfils debuted at the Monte Carlo Masters, when he notably fell to fellow teenage sensation Rafael Nadal. When he arrives to play Roland Garros next month, the 38-year-old will also celebrate the 20-year anniversary of his first main-draw appearance there.
Much has evolved over time, but there’s one aspect of the two-decade journey that doesn’t sit well with Monfils: Mother Nature.
“The weather is worse and worse. Well, this is what I’m saying, because maybe summer arrives a lot later now. But honestly, it’s not only here. The whole period on clay has changed,” the current world No. 44 told French press Monday.
“I remember when the weather was really hot during those tournaments, and now we arrive here, the weather is bad. And the French Open, it’s been a long time we didn’t have two beautiful weeks. Every time, now I have the feeling it’s cold in the French Open. I remember in Monte Carlo, so it was cold, it’s been a long time. I haven’t played here in Monte Carlo in the old way, with the beautiful weather.”
