Gael Monfils: I feel sorry that this beautiful Arena is empty!

Gael Monfils made an easy and fast debut at Sofia Open 2021. The experienced Frenchman cruised past Italy’s Gianluca Mager 6-2, 6-2 to reach his second ATP Tour semi-final in two weeks.

Second week you reached the semis at ATP tournament. What are your first words here?
I feel good. I played good. The last time I came I played good, so, you know, you always wat to come back to a tournament that you played good. I felt a little bit alone. It was a long stay for me. I won’t lie to you. I was practicing and sitting in the room. At the end it was giving me even more motivation. I was ready for the beginning. I am just happy with my performance. I feel great. And now, definitely I want to win tomorrow and to have the chance to lift this trophy maybe in two days.

In your first appearance here you made it again to the semis. Now the goal is the trophy?
Yeah, I feel good. I got to stay motivated. So I really hope tomorrow to win and to lift this one.

Your next opponent is Marcos Giron. Say some words about him.
He played great. He had good weeks. I mean he won great matches. I think he is full of confidence as well. It is going to be a tough one. I like Marcos a lot. It will be the first time we are going to face each other. But actually we practiced a couple weeks ago. We practiced at the Olympics as well. It is a great guy and I am waiting for the match tomorrow. I just feel sorry that the government here doesn’t allow the fans in the Arena and this beautiful Arena is empty!