Two years ago Umag's semi-final match, in which Gael Monfils lost narrowly by Italian Fabio Fognini, tennis fans still remember as being one of the best matches of Umag's tournament in last few years. After a year of break, 28-year-old French tennis player, according to many the most attractive player at the ATP Tour, is coming back to Umag, ready for even better results.
"I feel welcome in Umag and I have beautiful memories from two years ago. Therefore whenever I can free this term, I return to the tournament. Everything is fantastic here, location, people, atmosphere, audience, not only tennis but also everything else that is going on besides", said Monfils, who Umag's audience also remember after a musical performance with Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov.
Although he hopes that this year he will go further in the tournament than in 2013, he is aware of the fierce competition. "The draw is very strong, with several top players. There is also Borna Ćorić, whom I had a chance recently to practice with. He is already a very good player, but I am sure he will continue to climb higher on ATP ranking. He definitely has a bright future", thinks Monfils.
Regarding his playing future, Monfils does not reveal directly his goals, but neither does he hide his dream which is to win at least one Grand Slam tournament.
