Монфис: Вдъхнових някои чернокожи играчи да разберат, че могат да успеят

France's Gael Monfils is grateful for inspiring more black tennis players to believe they can succeed in the sport, adding that his upcoming retirement from the sport will give him a clearer picture of his influence. Monfils turned professional in 2004 and has won 13 ATP titles, but it is his entertaining style of tennis built on showmanship and athleticism that has made him a fan favorite in his own country and around the world. Ahead of his final campaign at the French Open and his retirement

"Of course, now that I'm done, I think I'll see a little bit more. When you're in the sport, it's hard to look around and see how much of an impact you've had. I'm very grateful if I've inspired some players. I know some young kids, they like my style, the way I play, the way I move, for everybody with dark skin to see somebody on the tour too... I inspired some black players to know that they can succeed... So I will realize it a little later and in the last year," said the Frenchman. Monfils was part of a star-studded show on Court Philippe Chatrier on Thursday, with the event combining tennis, music and tributes to mark his 20-year career. Former world No.1 Naomi Osaka, who was in attendance, hailed Monfils for his role in developing the game through his presence and successes. "Yeah, the representation of the players is so important, and on the women's side, growing up, I had Serena and Venus Williams, so I was so thankful for them. On the men's side, I've always looked up to him and Jo-Wilfred Tsonga for so long. And obviously there's a wave of black French people coming. I see that he's inspired a lot of players here," said Osaka, whose father is Haitian-American, and her mother is Japanese.

Key points

• "Of course, now that I'm done, I think I'll see a little bit more.
• When you're in the sport, it's hard to look around and see how much of an impact you've had.
• I'm very grateful if I've inspired some players.
• I know some young kids, they like my style, the way I play, the way I move, for everybody with dark skin to see somebody on the tour too...
• I inspired some black players to know that they can succeed...