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Gael Monfils hoists trophy at 2018 Qatar Open in Doha

By Harry Floyd

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 31: Gael Monfils of France returns a shot against Donald Young of the United States during their second round Men's Singles match on Day Four of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 31, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 31: Gael Monfils of France returns a shot against Donald Young of the United States during their second round Men's Singles match on Day Four of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 31, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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Gael Monfils finds glory at the 2018 Qatar Open in Doha. The French tennis star was a three-time runner-up at the ATP event before this year.

Gael Monfils is the 2018 Qatar Open champion in men’s singles.

After moving past top seeded Dominic Thiem in the semifinals, the French tennis veteran came face to face with rising Russian star Andrey Rublev. Monfils’ match with Thiem was cancelled due to an illness of Thiem’s part, giving Monfils an extra day of rest and preparation. Displaying brilliant tennis against his young opponent in the finals, Monfils cruises to a 6-2, 6-3 in Doha.

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The title at the Qatar Open kicks off the 2018 ATP World Tour in the best way possible for Monfils. At 31-years-old, the French tennis veteran remains among the best in the sport. His 2017 tour, however, went without a single title. Now, Monfils appears poised to have a comeback year in 2018.

Gael Monfils wins his seventh career ATP singles title.

Rublev’s runner-up finish is also a strong start to the year. At just 20-years-old, the young Russian tennis star is quickly becoming a headlining name on the ATP World Tour. Last year saw his first career ATP singles title and he is without a doubt a player to watch.

As for Monfils, he ought to take this title and newfound momentum right into the coming weeks. The 2018 Australian Open is right around the corner and the French tennis veteran can take advantage of his momentum. The French tennis star has reached as far as the quarterfinals at Melbourne Park. His best performance at the Grand Slam came during the 2016 ATP World Tour.

Next: Top 10: Men's Singles Tennis

Look for Gael Monfils to continue his strong play in the early weeks of 2018. He has appeared fresh on the court all week at the Qatar Open. His brilliant performance in Doha only makes him a stronger contender at Melbourne Park. Monfils displays fantastic agility on the court and he compliments his skill sets with veteran experience. The French tennis veteran is always an interesting pick to win in any tournament. Stay tuned to see how he fares at the upcoming Grand Slam. The Australian Open is just one week away and players such as Monfils are gearing up as best they can heading into action at Melbourne Park. Check back for updates on all of the early 2018 ATP World Tour action.

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