Former ATP world number six Gael Monfils wishes her soon-to-be one-year-old daughter Skai takes up a different sport to tennis when she grows up.
Speaking following his shock 6-4, 6-3 win over fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Canadian Open, Monfils didn't give detailed reasons regarding his choice of preference on Skai's future profession but would want her to take up either golf, soccer or basketball, and not aspire to be a tennis a player.
Recently, Monfils' wife - Elina Svitolina - opened up about their concerns about traveling with Skai on Tour, attributing the number one priority at this moment is her overall health. Tennis is one of the most demanding sports in terms of logistics and travel.
But besides that, peculiar conditions such as extreme heat in different countries may have a lingering effect on the baby. Skai is only nine months old, and while both her parents are successful tennis players, journalists were curious to ask Monfils whether their daughter might keep up that continuity in the future.
"To be honest, she will do whatever she wants. But deep inside, you know, I hope she pick up something else than the tennis racket: golf, soccer, basketball. But if she wants to play tennis, she play tennis. But inside, I wish she could try another sport, to be honest. But whatever she wants."
Monfils was then quizzed on whether there might be a chance he could team up with her wife Svitolina in mixed doubles, but given the perplexity of doubling up for a singles player, it's not on the cards right now, according to Monfils. But he is definitely looking forward to doing it before his retirement.
"And why not? You know, why not to play once a mixed double? Why not? But the thing is, you know, it's tough for me to play single and doubles, you know. But I feel like when it will be the end, I will try to double up. And hopefully it's not next year (smiling)."
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