SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER!
 
 
Facebook Social Button Twitter Social Button Follow Us on InstagramYouTube Social Button
NewsScoresRankingsLucky Letcord PodcastShopPro GearPickleballGear Sale


By Chris Oddo | Thursday, November 20, 2014

 
Gael Monfils, 2014 Davis Cup

Gael Monfils confesses that he is both frightened and excited by the prospect of facing Roger Federer on Friday in Lille.

Photo Source: Getty

Gael Monfils is excited to play against Roger Federer in Friday’s second rubber of this weekend’s Davis Cup final between France and Switzerland, but the 28-year-old Parisian is unafraid to admit that he finds the challenge a wee bit daunting.

More: Davis Cup Draw Held Thursday | Federer Hits Practice Courts


“I’m a bit scared because I don’t know what to expect,” said Monfils of the sure to be frenzied atmosphere at the 27,000-capacity Stade Pierre Mauroy and the specter of Facing Roger Federer on Friday.

But Monfils, though slightly spooked, is never one to shy away from the spotlight. Speaking to DavisCup.com's Craig Gabriel after Thursday's draw ceremony in Lille, he was quick to clarify his views on the pressure of playing the Davis Cup final in front of his home crowd and against the most decorated player in the history of the game. “But I like it. To be honest, I like it, and no matter what I will give my best.”

Monfils, who squandered a two sets to love lead and missed out on two match points against Federer at this year’s US Open, says he’s put that match behind him. "I don’t have to focus too much on my last match with him,” Monfils said. “I think I need to take the positive part from some stages during that match, but this one is going to be totally different, with the atmosphere, with the court, and I feel different also from what I was at the US Open. I just have to take this one as a new experience.”

Monfils owns a 2-8 lifetime record against Federer, but he’s 0-4 on clay, including three losses in France at Roland Garros.

But the man they call sliderman does have one glaring advantage over the 17-time Grand Slam champion that he’ll face on Friday. While giant questions marks still remain about the status of Federer’s recently injured back, Monfils says he’s as fit as he has been all year. “I feel much better,” said Monfils. “I had some problems with my knee but it’s better. I think I played good at Bercy—I showed I was back and strong, and now with the preparation that we’ve had before, I feel good.”

 

Latest News