“Not end of the world for me; it's an obsession from people" - Gael Monfils downplays ranking worries as he re-enters top 200 after Cincinnati win

Gael Monfils recently insisted that his ranking holds little significance to him. Monfils was speaking after his impressive victory in the first round of the 2023 Cincinnati Open, which propelled him back into the top 200 of the rankings.

Monfils has made a remarkable comeback after a long spell on the sidelines. The Frenchman defeated British No. 1 Cameron Norrie 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the first round of the Cincinnati Open on Wednesday.

Monfils, who was once ranked as high as No. 6 in the world, had fallen to No. 211 after a series of injuries and poor results. In the post-match press conference on Wednesday, Monfils said he was happy to be back on the court and playing well again.

"I love the U.S. swing all the time. Stay here, felt good energies. Is great. Really love the courts, the venues. It's always special for me to come back playing in the States at that moment. So, you know, I'm quite happy," he said.

The 36-year-old added that he was not obsessed with his ranking or his results, but instead focused on enjoying the game and improving his level.

"The thing is, of course, a lot of people mind the ranking in the absolute. I feel like it’s different for me. It’s getting to the end of my career. Of course, 200, whatever I am. In the well-est year, I was 15. Doesn’t really matter my ranking. It’s more about if physically I’m able to play weeks after weeks," he added.

Monfils further said he doesn't give importance to rankings the way other people do.

"I know that when I’m 100 percent I have a decent level, maybe a bit more than my ranking. But ranking is not for me, the end of the world. Is an obsession from people. Maybe when you’re younger, you think about it. Maybe when you want to be seeded, you think about it," the Frenchman said.

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Gael Monfils will face Alex de Minaur in the second round of the Cincinnati Open

Gael Monfils in National Bank Open Toronto

The Western & Southern Open will feature an intriguing second-round match between two players with contrasting styles - Gael Monfils and Alex de Minaur.

Monfils is known for his flamboyant and athletic play, often thrilling the crowd with his spectacular shots and dives. The Frenchman boasts a powerful serve and forehand, as well as a solid backhand and net game.

De Minaur, meanwhile, reached a career-high ranking of No. 12 on Monday after reaching back-to-back finals at Los Cabos and Toronto. The Aussie is a tenacious and consistent baseliner, who relies on his quickness and footwork to chase down every ball.

The two players have met once before, at the same event in 2021, with Gael Monfils triumphing in straight sets.

The winner of Wednesday's match will advance to the third round of the Cincinnati Open, where he will face either Alejandro Davidovich Fokina or Novak Djokovic.