"Giving my absolute best to regain form, and I understand it won't be an easy journey" - Gael Monfils gives fans an update on his comeback journey

Gael Monfils has been one of the most entertaining players on the ATP tour. The Frenchman has been a crowd-puller throughout his career and garnered fan support thanks to his outrageous shots and unbelievable coverage of the court.

The 36-year-old hasn't played much tennis since sustaining a heel injury at the 2022 Montreal Masters in August. The former World No. 6 recently took to social media to update fans about the current status of his tennis career and the changes he has made to his support team.

In an Instagram post, Gael Monfils said that he has been spending quality time with his wife, Elina Svitolina, and daughter Skai, who was born in October 2022. Monfils also revealed that he has been training with a new team, which he hasn't publicly named yet but will be on display at his next tournament, the Lyon Open.

"Hello everybody, I hope you all are doing well. It's been a while since I last checked in. I took some time for myself and had the opportunity to spend quality moments with my family," Monfils wrote.

"Additionally, I've been practicing with a new team that you will soon see in my upcoming tournament (@openparcara). I apologize for not introducing them to you earlier; time just slipped away from me," he added.

Monfils then thanked his previous coaching staff, Gunther Bresnik, Richard Ruckelshausen, and Dominik Distelberger, for their support over the years and acknowledged their accomplishments together.

"First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to Gunther Bresnik, Richard Ruckelshausen, and Dominik Distelberger for the incredible work we have accomplished together during this period. Thank you so much, guys, for your dedication and efforts," he wrote.

Gael Monfils was also thankful to his best friend, Natho, and brother, Cloumzy, for their unwavering support and help as he was nursing his injury. He added:

"I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to one of my best friends, Natho, for his unwavering support and commitment to my well-being. His treatments and support mean the world to me. Thank you, Natho.

"Furthermore, a special shoutout goes to my brother Cloumzy for his incredible work managing my social media. Your efforts are truly appreciated."

The Frenchman expressed his gratitude to the fans who have been with him through his recent tough time on the court. Monfils assured them that he is doing everything he can to regain his form and perform well upon his return to the professional circuit post-injury.

"With all that being said, I want to express my gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering support and kindness during these challenging times on the court. I'm giving my absolute best to regain my form, and I understand it won't be an easy journey. It will take time, and I am willing to be patient and persistent," Monfils concluded.

Gael Monfils struggles to find form upon his return to tennis

After nearly a seven-month hiatus from tennis, Gael Monfils made his comeback on the professional tennis circuit at the 2023 Indian Wells Open, which he entered via protected ranking. While his stay was cut short by Jordan Thompson in the first round, 6-3, 6-1, Monfils did show some flare and flamboyance that has entertained tennis fans over the years.

The World No. 322 has since faced more first-round exits at the Miami Open and the Srpska Open, as well as, at Challenger tournaments in Phoenix and Aix-en-Provence. He did manage to win his opening-round fixture at the Ostrava Challenger, where his opponent Evan Furness retired in the second set.

Gael Monfils will be hoping to turn his fortunes around at the Lyon Open, where he will face another daunting opponent in the form of World No. 63 Pedro Cachin.

Monfils is also set to compete at the 2023 French Open after entering the main draw via protected ranking.