Gael Monfils revealed he felt like he was “getting eaten up” despite thinking he was playing well in his straight-set defeat to Carlos Alcaraz at the 2024 Miami Open.
The Frenchman admitted he thinks he is “less strong in everything” than Alcaraz and spoke of how his powerful shots “came back almost as quickly” from the Spaniard.
Alcaraz cruised to a convincing 6-2, 6-4 victory against Monfils in the third round of the Miami Open on Monday to extend his winning streak to eight matches.
The world No 2 is aiming to complete the Sunshine Double for the first time after ending an eight-month title drought with his recent victory in Indian Wells. Alcaraz will face world No 24 Lorenzo Musetti in the last 16 in Miami on Tuesday.
Monfils came into the match in good form, having earned decisive wins against Dusan Lajovic and Jordan Thompson to progress to the last 32 of the Masters 1000 event.
The 37-year-old, who is currently ranked 47th in the world, made the last 16 in Indian Wells after earning impressive wins over Hubert Hurkacz and Cameron Norrie.
During his defeat to Alcaraz, the former world No 6 laughed in disbelief at Alcaraz’s brilliance at one stage and said to his coaching team: “I need to go for really big. I cannot pass him, it’s crazy.”
In an interview with L’Equipe following the match, Monfils described the challenge of facing the two-time Grand Slam champion.
“I feel like I’m getting eaten up, but at the same time, I feel like I’m playing well. But I’m less strong in everything, in fact. I have the impression for having had a good match,” the Frenchman explained.
“So, I know it’s weird for people to hear that I had a good match when I took 2 and 4. I was hitting hard and there were a lot of balls where I wanted to go into the court, but they came back almost as quickly.”
The 12-time ATP titlist also refused to blame the defeat on any potential physical issues after appearing to hurt his ankle early in the contest.
“Frankly, you shouldn’t use your ankle to explain. I just got stuck a little, nothing crazy,” Monfils said.
In a post on X, Monfils reflected on the match and his positive showings in Indian Wells and Miami: “Looking back on the American tour, what a journey: strong moments, gradually regaining confidence… and of course, learning lessons.
“Compared to last year, let’s say it was a little less… “catastrophic” 😉 . I leave with incredible memories and an impatience to see what happens next. The fight continues, the objectives remain in sight. Never abandon !”
