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“Legend of Tennis”: Gael Monfils Feels Novak Djokovic is Still the ‘Boss’ Even After US Open Defeat
World No.22 Gael Monfils didn’t enjoy a great run at the Vienna Open 2021. He lost to Diego Schwartzman in three sets in the second round of the tournament. However, the focus of the Frenchman will now be at the Rolex Paris Masters 2021 where his good friend, Novak Djokovic, will begin as the top-seeded player.
Gael Monfils will be playing his first match against Miomir Kecmanovic at the Rolex Paris Masters 2021. Fans have huge expectations from him and want him to perform well on his home turf.
Gael Monfils hails Novak Djokovic even after his defeat at the US Open 2021 finals
In the pre-tournament press-conference of the Rolex Paris Masters 2021, Monfils talked about the US Open 2021 finals. He faced a strange question from a reporter who asked him if he believes that Djokovic is ‘more beatable’ and no longer the boss, after his defeat in the final.
Sep 12, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; (L-R) Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Daniil Medvedev of Russia celebrate with the finalist and championship trophies, respectively, after their match in the men’s singles final on day fourteen of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
Monfils not only denied his claim, but came up with quite an interesting reply. He highlighted that Djokovic is still a legend of the sport for him even though he failed to win the Calendar Slam.
“I still see him as a legend of tennis. He’s won three Grand Slams, and he’s still trying to get more. He’s a legend of tennis. He lost against Daniil who played extremely well. He hasn’t lost a lot of matches. He’s No. 2 worldwide. So as far as I’m concerned, it doesn’t change anything,” said Monfils in the press conference.
Monfils feels that Djokovic lost to the better player that night. However, he stated that the defeat doesn’t change his opinion about the Serbian legend.
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“Still a fantastic player”- Monfils on Djokovic
In the same interview, Monfils also lauded Medvedev and claimed that both he and Nole are phenomenal players. However, he reiterated that Djokovic is still the same for him and is an incredible athlete.
Sep 10, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates after his match against Alexander Zverev of Germany. Day twelve of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
“Both players have great level. Novak is still Novak. He’s still a fantastic player and he’s won three Grand Slams. He’s still the same. He only lost to the second player, the second-ranked player,” added the French player.
Novak Djokovic will begin his Rolex Paris Masters 2021 campaign against Marton Fucsovics. Will he be able to lift the Masters title in Paris this year?
The post “Legend of Tennis”: Gael Monfils Feels Novak Djokovic is Still the ‘Boss’ Even After US Open Defeat appeared first on EssentiallySports.
