Tennis: Monfils returns to Auckland

Gael Monfils of France. Photo / Sarah Ivey.

Flamboyant Frenchman Gael Monfils has been confirmed for January's Heineken Open in Auckland next year.

Monfils is hot off the back of his show stopping performance at the US Open, where he reached the quarter-finals. Monfils produced three sets of his best tennis against Roger Federer that set the New York tournament alight, winning the opening two sets against the Swiss Master and holding two match points.

"We saw what Gael was capable of at the US Open; he was all over Roger for two and a half sets. When he plays at that intensity, there are few players who can stick with him," said tournament director, Karl Budge.

Ranked No 15 in the world, Monfils has had a strong year, finishing runner-up in Doha (for the third time), earning a quarter-finals appearance at the French Open and US Open, and securing his fifth career ATP Tour title in Montpellier, defeating compatriot Richard Gasquet in the final.

Monfils has played the Heineken Open twice before, most memorably in 2013 where he took on David Ferrer in the semifinal having disposed of the second seed, Tommy Haas.

"I'm very excited to be heading back to Auckland - I was so disappointed I had to withdraw due to injury last year," says Monfils.

"Having the crowd so close to the court really motivates me - it's a great place to play."
The inclusion of Monfils adds to what is shaping up to be the strongest Heineken Open line-up of recent times. World No 5, David Ferrer will return to Auckland for the January 12-15 tournament looking for his fifth title, which would make him the greatest Heineken Open champion, surpassing the feats of Australian legend Roy Emerson in the 1960's.

Joining Monfils and Ferrer is Roland Garros semi-finalist, Ernests Gulbis along with American giant, John Isner, who will return to defend his 2014 title.

"To have four players confirmed in the world top 15 is outstanding. Two former champions and two of the most exciting blokes on tour - this is going to be a cracking event," said Budge.