Monfils on Wawrinka: "He's a legend".

Gaël Monfils had a smile on his face in the press conference after defeating Damir Dzumhur 6-4, 6-3 in the first round of the Shanghai Masters 1000.

Looking forward to his next match, the veteran Frenchman also spoke about Stan Wawrinka.

Having trained with the Swiss player recently, 'La Monf' paid tribute to his friend and rival, whom he knows very well.

He declared: "It's an incredible feeling. We started together, we'll probably finish together.

For me, it's good, because he's older than me, so I can lean on him.

He's a legend. I think I'm a good player, but he's a legend, so for me to be at his side on the court is a privilege.

It's unique to have a relationship as long and as good as ours.

So I'm more than happy to be able to enjoy the end of my career with him."