Gasquet sees Monfils playing until he's 40: "He still has the ability and the physical level".

Richard Gasquet, eliminated in the 1st round of qualifying at the Australian Open, has returned to France and will make his final appearance at the ATP 250 in Montpellier at the end of the month.

Speaking to RMC's Stephen Brunch, the Biterrois commented on the longevity of Gaël Monfils, winner of the Auckland tournament at the age of 38: "It's exceptional, it's fabulous. It's true that he's got an enormous physique, we've all known about his natural physique since he was young.

He's a force of nature. I think he can play for another two or three years.

I wouldn't be surprised if he had no problem playing until 2026 or 2027, because he still has the ability and the physical level.

The desire, yes, it's there, but it's more or less there for everyone.

When you stop playing, it's because you're not playing as well, because your physical capacities are declining. But I think he's still at the top of his game, and he's proving it. That's great."