Returning to Qi Zhong Tennis Centre for an 11th Rolex Shanghai Masters campaign, Stan Wawrinka was thrilled to be reunited with old friends.
"Just two old guys passionate about what they (are) doing," he wrote on a social media post alongside Gael Monfils as the pair practised together ahead of the tournament.
"He's a great friend. He's also on tour since so many years and we've been practicing all those years together," smiled Wawrinka, who at age 39 is a year older than 38-year-old Monfils, when asked about their friendship.
"We are in the same situation, a little bit. We (are) getting older. We know it's soon the end, but we want to enjoy (ourselves). We've been passionate about the tennis life, about what we're doing, so we try to keep pushing as much as we can."
In Shanghai this week, that attitude has proven a rich formula for success. As a world No.236 wildcard entrant, Wawrinka defeated 21-year-old Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in straight sets on Thursday to claim his first win at ATP Masters 1000 level in more than a year.
He was the oldest player to win a match at ATP Masters 1000-level since Ivo Karlovic at Indian Wells in 2019.
"I'm super happy to have the chance to be back here another year. Thanks to the tournament for giving this opportunity to be back one more time," said a grateful Wawrinka, having spent an extended period on court after the victory signing autographs for his many supporters.
"It's been amazing to come back (for an) 11th time here with all the fans. Every day at practice, in matches, with all the support."
It adds to Wawrinka's motivation to extend a career that features three-time Grand Slams among his 16 career titles. "I'm passionate about what I'm doing," he said. "I think I'm still want to push a little bit myself. I want to enjoy this chapter of my life."
Monfils, still a top-50 presence after two decades on tour, can relate.
The Frenchman has showcased the best of his explosive tennis this week, recording wins over Damir Dzhumur and No.22 seed Sebastian Baez to reach the third round in Shanghai for the fourth time in his seven campaigns.
"I want to win (as many) matches as I can," said Monfils, when asked to describe the goals he's targeting at this stage of his career. "This is big. People think it's a small goal, but it's a big goal, you know, to be able still to win matches, try to be as fit as I can, be ready for big matches."
For Wawrinka, there's a focus on improving his ranking to the level that would allow automatic entry into higher-level tournaments - and simply make the most of his time on tour.
"I've been having an amazing time the last 20 years, I want to keep pushing a little bit to enjoy that," the Swiss smiled.
Monfils relishes the thought of more time on tour with his good friend. "It's (an) unbelievable feeling. We start together, we probably are going to end together," he said.
"He's a legend. I think I'm a good player, but he's a legend, so for me to be with him on the site is just a privilege. To have such a long and good relationship that we have, it's unique, so I'm just more than happy that I can enjoy the end of my career with him."
