Gaël Monfils is on the hunt for a new record

Gaël Monfils is still on course to reach a unique record in Rotterdam Ahoy after beating Canadian qualifier Denis Shapovalov : 7-6 (4), 7-6 (5). The Frenchman, one of the crowd’s favourites, could become the first player in the history of the ABN AMRO Open to win the tournament in his three consecutive participations. Monfils won the title in Rotterdam in 2019 and 2020. 'With two titles in a row, it is of course logical to say that I like to play in Rotterdam.’

Roger Federer is the record holder with three titles in Ahoy, and of course Monfils can match this achievement. In the second round however, he will have to face Jannik Sinner, the man of the hour and reigning Australian Open champion. 'We knew from the start that this could happen,’ admits Monfils, currently 70th in the world rankings. 'Sinner is unique, and he hits the balls so well. He is a very complete player who has made a lot of progress with his serve recently.’

Monfils has missed Rotterdam for the past three years, sidelined by various injuries. The partner of professional player Elina Svitolina (who is now training in Dubai with her coach Raemon Sluiter), achieved his twelfth ATP Tour victory in Stockholm last autumn at the age of 37. The Olympic Games in Paris next summer are on Monfils’ wish list, at home on Roland Garros’ red clay. 'That has always been in a corner of my head, and if I were to qualify that would be great. On the other hand, there are a lot of young French guys who are playing incredibly well. It will be difficult, but in every tournament I just do everything I can to get closer that ranking in order to qualify.’

On the other side of the draw, it’s Grigor Dimitrov tenth appearance in Rotterdam. The 32-year-old Bulgarian had his hands full against Italian Lorenzo Sonego, but the former World No.3 finished the job in two sets: 7-6 (4), 6-3. 'Sonego is always a difficult opponent with a lot of power in his shot. But the final last Sunday in Marseille gave me confidence. Stay calm and do the things I have to do.’