PARIS - Gael Monfils says he's grateful to have inspired more Black tennis players to believe they can succeed in the sport.
As he prepares for his final French Open campaign and retirement at the end of the season, the 39-year-old Frenchman acknowledged he hasn't fully appreciated his influence while still on tour.
"I think when you're in it, it's tough to look around (and see) how much influence you have had," Monfils told reporters. "For the Black community also to see someone on the tour ... I think it was important."
Monfils turned professional in 2004 and won 13 ATP titles, but it was his entertaining brand of tennis built on showmanship and athleticism that made him a fan favorite.
Former world number one Naomi Osaka, who took part in a recent exhibition celebrating Monfils' career, praised his impact.
"On the men's side I always looked up to him," said Osaka, who has a Haitian-American father and a Japanese mother. "I can see that he's inspired ... a lot of players here."
Monfils opens his Roland Garros campaign against compatriot Hugo Gaston on Sunday.