Gael Monfils is 'amazed' by the support he's received after he cried at an Australian Open press conference

• Gael Monfils said he's been "amazed" by the support he's received after he recently cried.
• The Frenchman broke down after losing Finland's Emil Ruusuvuori at the Australian Open.
• "The only possible way is to look forward for a better tomorrow," he said.

Gael Monfils said he's "amazed" at the support he's received from fans after he cried at an Australian Open press conference.

The Frenchman was dumped out of the tournament in the first round Monday by Finland's Emil Ruusuvuori, who edged out a five set thriller 3-6, 6-4, 7-5, 3-6, 6-3.

Following the defeat, Monfils cried in front of reporters and asked them to show him "a little mercy" for his poor run of form, which has seen him go without a victory since February 2020.

"I would like to get up and tell you that this nightmare is over, but here I am," he said. "When the guy is down, don't shoot him."

An outburst of support from fellow players, fans, and even the 34-year-old's sponsor, ASICS, followed, for which Monfils says he is truly grateful.

"Dear all, I have been amazed by the number of appreciation messages I have received from my family, my girlfriend Elina, my friends, my team, my agent, my sponsors and the many fans who have always supported me on this journey," Monfils said Wednesday on Instagram.

"I want to thank you all for your ongoing support despite the ups and downs. As you can imagine this is not an easy period but I have every confidence that I will bounce back in the near future.

"Emotions can be overwhelming after a close defeat especially when you have put long hours to get there and your expectations are high. When I put things in perspective, I will always reach the same conclusion: tennis is my biggest passion and I am extremely fortunate to be able to live from it.

"A quick glance at the current world we live in is all I need to be reminded that the only possible way is to look forward for a better tomorrow. Thank you all again and now back to work!"