Monfils says Toronto loss marks his final Toronto visit
The 38-year-old French tennis icon missed out on four match points to exit 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7/3) to number 142 Tomas Barrios Vera, who won the first Masters match of his career and ended a seven-match loss streak at the ATP level.
Monfils symbolically touched the baseline as he walked off a loser after nearly three hours in torrid summer temperatures approaching 35 Celsius.
"There's no explanation, it's the last one," he said. "It will be two years to play (again) in Toronto, so pretty much I won't be able to play it. Obviously I think the next one is too old for me, so I think it was the last time I'll play here."
He added: "I actually thought at the end, and I was like, 'Well, I think it's, unfortunately, but the last time I think I would play here.'"
Monfils had little good to say about his effort.
"Without taking credit from my opponent, (it was a) bad match from my side, not the quality that I want, not the level that I want to perform," he said.
"(I need to) try to work hard, feel this winning (habit come) back a little bit and try to still believe.
"Keep my head up, even though it's not easy, but I will try my best." — AFP
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Novak Djokovic withdraws from Cincinnati Masters ahead of US Open
Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the ATP Cincinnati Masters, just weeks before the US Open begins. The decision comes exactly one year after his gold medal victory at the Paris Olympics. Tournament officials confirmed the news, leaving the 38-year-old Serb without any match practice since his Wimbledon semi-final defeat to Jannik Sinner. Djokovic, a three-time Cincinnati champion, last won the title in 2023 after five previous final losses. His absence raises speculation about his readiness for the upcoming US Open. Meanwhile, world number one Sinner, who also skipped the Toronto Masters alongside Carlos Alcaraz, has already begun training in Cincinnati. Sinner shared a lighthearted golf course selfie on social media, following his first practice session ahead of the tournament. With Djokovic out, the competition dynamics shift, potentially benefiting younger rivals like Sinner and Alcaraz. - AFP
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Igor Paixao vows success at Marseille after 35m euro transfer
BRAZILIAN striker Igor Paixao was officially presented as a Marseille player on Monday, pledging to replicate his Feyenoord form in Ligue 1. The 25-year-old completed a 35 million euro transfer, signing a five-year deal with the French club after contributing 18 goals and 19 assists last season. Paixao joins a Marseille side that finished second behind Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1, securing Champions League football. He will team up with former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood as the club seeks to challenge domestically and in Europe. The Brazilian emphasized his commitment to Marseille's values and his personal ambition to earn a place in Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad. 'Marseille is a club with values. That's very important for me, for everyone. I want to give my all... It's a major responsibility and I think we're going to do big things,' he said. Paixao also revealed his admiration for former Marseille winger Franck Ribery, hoping to emulate his success. 'With his dribbling, his goals, Ribery was an exceptional player, I will try to be like him, to be able to make history with this club,' he added. Having earned one cap for Brazil's under-23 team in 2023, Paixao now aims to break into the senior squad while making an impact in France. - AFP
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Czech midfielder Pavel Sulc joins Lyon in €10m deal
LYON: Czech attacking midfielder Pavel Sulc has completed his move to Olympique Lyonnais, signing a four-year deal with the French club. The transfer from Viktoria Plzen includes a base fee of €7.5 million, with potential add-ons reaching €2.5 million. The 25-year-old, who has earned 14 caps for the Czech national team, brings an impressive track record to Ligue 1. Last season, Sulc was named the Czech league's best player after contributing 20 goals and 15 assists for Viktoria Plzen. Lyon's sporting director said, 'Pavel is a dynamic playmaker with proven creativity. His ability to score and create chances fits our attacking philosophy perfectly.' The contract also includes a 15 percent sell-on clause for any future transfer profit. Sulc spent nearly his entire professional career at Viktoria Plzen, making 167 appearances and scoring 47 goals. His arrival strengthens Lyon's midfield options as they aim to improve on last season's sixth-place finish. - AFP
