Gael Monfils played against Carlos Alcaraz only once, but it was enough for him to see how great of a player he would be.
Alcaraz was a kid for most of Monfils' career and growing up and watching him was a delight. It's the same for many of us because no other player played with such dedication to entertaining the fans as much as Monfils did.
One of the most beloved players on the ATP Tour is now at the end of his career but wins like the one over Tsitsipas prove that he can still play well. The match and a recent practice at the 2023 Canadian Open in Toronto allowed Monfils to further understand just how quickly Alcaraz is improving. According to him, he's on track to become a legend of the sport.
Carlos is a great guy. Obviously, a great kid. You know, he's beginning of a big legend of the tennis, you know. I think definitely a champion already, the tennis, you know. I think definitely a champion already, but it's -- I think his goal is to become a legend like those legends that we have in our game.
Well, he's already in the history books in several ways. The youngest number one ever after winning the US Open last year. A Wimbledon champion with a hunger to win even more trophies in the future. The way he plays, the things he's already done and his hunger and motivation are what make him stand out against other players.
I think every player wants to become a champion, legend, whatever. He's already champion, you know. When you're champion, for me, when you win slams, and he already won slams. And I think he stated already that he wants to win a lot of Grand Slam.
You know, to win a lot of Grand Slam is to become a legend. So I feel like he's on a track to win the number for him to become a legend. But don't put pressure on him (smiling).
