Monfils on Alcaraz: 'I see him as Novak, as Rafa, as Roger'

Gael Monfils lives for showtime moments. That is exactly what he will experience Thursday evening at the Cincinnati Open when he plays second seed Carlos Alcaraz.

Monfils and Alcaraz are two of the most entertaining players on the ATP Tour and they never leave fans short of a good time. The Frenchman has the utmost respect for this year’s Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion.

“Big, obviously, big. He is a complete athlete, a tonne of speed, endurance, power, and then his tennis, of course, is quite complete too,” Monfils said. “Backhand, forehand, it's quite hard to see where you can sit [and wait]. He improved a lot in the return, serving big. He's just a really, really complete player.”

Alcaraz is in a key part of the season. The 21-year-old is second in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin and is trying to position himself for his battle with first-placed Jannik Sinner for ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by PIF honours.

Already a four-time major champion, the Spaniard has impressed Monfils.

“At that moment, of course, I see him as Novak, as Rafa, as Roger,” Monfils said. “So for me, he's just a little bit younger, but he is already [like] those legends.”

Alcaraz leads Monfils 2-0 in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series with both victories coming in straight sets, including one earlier this year in Miami. But Monfils, the former No. 6 player in the PIF ATP Rankings, always cherishes the opportunity to play an opponent like Alcaraz.

“For me, it's always cool to play such a big star like Carlos or Jannik,” Monfils said. “Of course, my age it was Novak or whoever, but to play those youngsters, it's always a pleasure. Tomorrow, it's going to be great fun for me. Obviously, really tough. But it's going to be something that, of course, I will remember in a couple years.”

Whether by the practice court, post match or anywhere else on the grounds, Monfils is still a fans’ favourite. The Frenchman will try to thrill them again at the Lindner Family Tennis Centre.

“I love the fans. I love the energy,” Monfils said. “Every time. I always say when I come back to the States, it's always feels like a second home for me.”