Gael Monfils: It Was Never Just About the Show

About this episode

Gaël Monfils discusses the misconceptions about his career and the importance of winning over showmanship as he prepares for his final Roland Garros.

Before what is expected to be his final Roland Garros, Gaël Monfils opens up about one of the biggest misconceptions of his career: that it was ever just about the show. For years, fans saw the smile, the energy, the jumping smashes, the tweeners, and the impossible athleticism. But behind all of that, Gaël says there was always one thing first: the desire to win. In this short episode, Gaël reflects on the pressure of being called a “showman,” why his spectacular style came naturally to him, the sacrifices behind a long career, the weight of comparison, and why enjoying the journey has been essential to surviving more than two decades at the highest level. As he prepares for his last Roland Garros before retiring at the end of the season, this is a tribute to one of tennis’ most beloved players — in his own words. This episode is sponsored by IM8. 🔗 Try IM8 and get 10% off your first order → im8health.com/discount/TIC Use code TIC at checkout. 🎧 Follow Tennis Insider Club for more honest conversations with the biggest names in tennis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Hosts: Caroline Garcia, Borja Duran

Guest: Gaël Monfils

Topics covered

• Gaël Monfils
• Roland Garros
• tennis career
• showmanship
• athleticism
• pressure
• retirement

Keywords

• Gaël Monfils
• Roland Garros
• tennis
• showman
• athleticism
• career sacrifices
• retirement
• pressure
• enjoying the journey

Sponsors

IM8

More episodes of Tennis Insider Club with Caro Garcia

• Eugenie Bouchard: Why I Really Retired · June 2, 2026 · 1h 1m
• Madison Keys on Winning a Grand Slam, Therapy & Finally Letting Go · May 19, 2026 · 58 min
• Diego Schwartzman Opens Up About Retirement, Anxiety & The Big 3 · May 4, 2026 · 55 min
• Caroline Garcia: What I’d Do Differently · April 27, 2026 · 25 min
• Paula Badosa on Pressure, Pain and Inner Peace · April 20, 2026 · 51 min
• He Quit Tennis, Was Hitting With Sharapova as a Favour — Now He's Coaching a Top WTA Player | Tom Hill · April 7, 2026 · 1h 8m