Gael Monfils is through to round 3 of the Indian Wells Masters Cup after defeating Hubert Hurkacz in their round 2 match-up, Next up, he will face British Cameron Norrie. But before that spectators are focusing on his unique celebration.

The Frenchman, riddled with injuries in the past few years is looking to regain his winning form. But among those tennis players whose individual style of victory celebration defines them, Gael Monfils recently evoked Marvel’s Wakanda. Talking in an interview after his fresh win, he beamed positively and revealed the symbolism behind his iconic celebration.

Gael Monfils – ‘Hey Guys I am Really Back’

Talking about his iconic ‘Wakanda Forever’ celebration on the Tennis Channel, an upbeat Monfils revealed, “Because I am ready.” He laughs and then adds seriously, “No that’s why you know because my body is ready to go you know and that’s why you know, when you do a celebration it’s meaningful. It’s not a joke or something, it’s meaningful. It’s a message out there that you know, ‘Hey guys, I am really back.’ That I am there you know, so that’s why I did the celebration again. It’s a perfect celebration so that’s why I need to be ready and I am ready.” 

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When asked about why it left the Frenchman explains, “It’s you know, your body, I worked hard to get back in shape. I was almost, like for nine months completely off and doing nothing and then you come back. It’s not easy to get the rhythm and everything. You know when you have a win, you’re a little bit shy. Yeah inside of you, you know you are not a bit ready. I mean it can be a good win but you know you are not ready but now I feel ready.”

With so many back-to-back injuries, it took Monfils quite some time to completely feel like he was back. Although not free from injuries entirely, last year saw a sensational comeback, only to be outdone by another tennis star within the family, his wife, Elina Svitolina.

Elina Svitolina Indulges in Mischievous Act as Husband Gael Monfils’ Moment of Elation at Australian Open Takes Comical Turn

Gael Monfils Feels He Has ‘Nothing Left To Prove’

Gael Monfils acknowledges that his comeback in 2023 pales in comparison to the remarkable return of his wife, Elina Svitolina. Following the birth of their first child Skai, Svitolina stormed into the Wimbledon semifinals, earning her the title of WTA’s Comeback Player of the Year. While Monfils was still in contention for a similar honor from the ATP, he humbly recognized Svitolina’s outstanding achievement.

Family and collaboration were pivotal in their triumphs. Monfils and Svitolina juggle professional aspirations with parenthood, supporting each other’s endeavors. Talking to the Independent last year, the Frenchman revealed, “We both understand the sacrifices and push each other in the best way,” he affirms. While one competes, the other tends to their child, as exemplified during Svitolina’s Wimbledon journey.

Their tennis trajectories have shifted, but Monfils, now 37, remains passionate. Amazed by his longevity he says, “It’s just crazy to be honest, just crazy, to actually still be playing,” and admits he finds more joy in playing now. With family support, he relishes the court, feeling he has “nothing left to prove.”

Although the twilight of his career has been plagued by injuries, Gael Monfils who is known as one of the greatest entertainers on the court still has room for a few more tricks.