French Open 2018: Gael Monfils explains David Goffin SPAT caused by umpire
GAEL MONFILS has played down his on-court spat with David Goffin at the French Open.
Things are getting heated. ������@David__Goffin @Gael_Monfils #RG18 pic.twitter.com/lZG2lnswb4
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) June 2, 2018
The duo played a thrilling five-set match which No 8 seed Goffin won 6-7, 6-3, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3.
However, during the fourth set tempers flared as Monfils and Goffin exchanged angry words when sat by the umpire.
According to the Frenchman, the umpire was unhappy with how long he was taking during the breaks in play.
Goffin then got involved and the pair were captured speaking French to one another.
But Monfils says he has nothing personal against Goffin and he was only explaining his frustration to the official.
What bothered me is that if I'm told to go faster, I go faster, and then I'm told to go slower
“When we changed side, I said that I took my time because the judge had told me yesterday I take too little time. And then, today, he was telling me I take too much time,” Monfils said.
“And so the way I recover is different. I always have injuries, so I like to rest on my knees so I can recover.
“But what bothered me is that if I'm told to go faster, I go faster, and then I'm told to go slower.
“And David told me, I'm sorry. I didn't know that.
“But as I told the umpire, I'm friends with David. So I had nothing against David.”
Monfils added that he is good friends with Goffin and there was no bad blood between them.
“I broke his serve then I had a ball at 4-1, or two balls. It was good tennis. I think that David returned very well on that game,” he added.
“I was asking the support of the public to push me, because it was really at that moment that I had to accelerate further to hope surviving.
“Then David played very well that game, because he was strong in the play and mentally.
“So congratulations to him. It's really fantastic what he did, and that's really the token of a champion. So congratulations to him.
“Then, nothing special, talking about the discussion between myself and David. It's pointless.”