Gael Monfils, a two-time French Open semifinalist, admits that he rarely starts off well on clay. The 28-year-old has never won a clay-court title, but has reached three finals at clay events.
However, the 18th-ranked Monfils just defeated Roger Federer, 6-4, 7-6 (5), in the third round of Monte Carlo. This is his first quarterfinal appearance at the event in the eight years. "I always have trouble adapting to clay quickly, so it's always a strange period of the year for me here," Monfils said. "I always hope I can play those tournaments well. But often I end up losing. I don't seem to be able to play my best tennis. I often get injured during those six weeks, so maybe this is what is different this year."
The Frenchman's goal is to avoid getting injured going into Roland Garros. In 2014, Monfils reached the quarterfinals at the clay-court Slam, falling to Andy Murray in five sets.
Monfils had dealt with numerous injuries in recent years, including this season. He pulled out of Indian Wells and returned for Miami, only to hurt his hip and retire in the fourth round against Tomas Berdych. He then withdrew from Houston before taking a wildcard into Monte Carlo when the injury improved. "The hip injury I had was treated quite quickly and I was ready to come and play this tournament here," Monfils said before his win over Federer.