Gael Monfils continues to dazzle on his farewell tour, with the latest stop being Monte Carlo.
And, having been drawn against Tallon Griekspoor in the first round, he was tasked with toppling a solid opponent at the first hurdle.
Despite falling an early set down, Gael Monfils showcased immense grit, battling back to win in three sets and secure his spot in the second round.
What he has continued to do throughout his entire career has amazed fans the world over.
However, what he managed to do just yesterday actually amazed himself.
Gael Monfils amazes himself with latest Monte Carlo victory
Speaking court-side immediately after his win, he began by outlining his initial struggle to adapt to the stark change in conditions that this event poses.
Monfils admitted: “It’s never easy, the first match on clay.
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“You know, I had to find the balance with, of course a lot of emotion coming up right here and knowing it’s my last and I also found my rhythm, I haven’t played since Indian Wells, so not easy, but at the end I have found my range, I found my game and I was pretty pleased with this win.”
Then asked whether he ever thought he’d still be playing in 2026, he laughed as he replied: “My friend, you know the answer is impossible, to be honest, and, you know, here I am, a long way, long ride. And I just amazed myself as well, you know, and I’m here, and I still won one match. I’m just speechless.”
Monfils concluded by discussing his emotions, having played yet another match in front of his closest family and friends.
He added: “Yeah, not easy sometimes, not easy, but the thing is I love to play with emotion.
“I mean, you know me, I love the crowd, I love, you know, my friends and family involved.
“So the balance is quite easy for me to find because it’s joy, I know, at the end of the day, it’s joy and I can let my creativity, you know, on the court and it does help me a lot.”
In beating Griekspoor, Monfils actually passed Rafael Nadal on a legendary list.
Gael Monfils’ historical record at the Monte Carlo Masters
Given Monfils plans to retire at the end of this season, every event he plays in will be his final time at that location.
However, exiting some tournaments will likely sting more than most, whether it be due to general familiarity or past successes.
The Monte Carlo Masters likely fits into the latter category, given it is one of just two Masters 1000 events where the Frenchman has reached the final.
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There, he was beaten by Nadal, after taking the King of Clay to a deciding third set. It marked an admirable display after a sensational run.
Monfils also reached the semi-final in Monaco on another occasion.
Although his win percentage of just 56% was far from exceptional, and he only surpassed the third round on two occasions, the memories attached to those two special runs will likely make his eventual departure an emotional one.
