Novak Djokovic and Gael Monfils have been good friends for years now, as two ever-present superstars who have shared the world stage with one another for two decades.
Both aged 39, they are two of the most respected and renowned players of their generation, but obviously for differing reasons.
The Serbian superstar is widely regarded as the greatest tennis player of all time, whilst Gael Monfils, who suffered through arguably the toughest generation in the sport’s history, has deservedly earned a reputation as the greatest showman.
His shot-making and trickery, partnered with his deceptive yet frightening speed, have made him a player adored by all.
And Novak Djokovic is no different. He had nothing but positive things to say about his good friend as he paid tribute ahead of Monfils’ last-ever Roland Garros before he retires.
Novak Djokovic’s touching words about Gael Monfils
Speaking ahead of his opening-round match later today, the 24-time Grand Slam champion was keen to emphasise just how revered Monfils remains across the tennis community.
Djokovic insisted: “Gael is a friend and someone I admire and grew up with since we were 13.
Give us your one wild prediction for Roland Garros!
“He deserves every bit of celebration – not only as a tennis player but as a human. He has touched so many people’s hearts and has respect from his peers from both the men’s and women’s tours.
“I don’t know anyone that dislikes Gael. He’s one of my favourite people and players to watch, and I’m looking forward to watching him compete in his last Roland Garros.”
This came just after Naomi Osaka actually placed Monfils alongside Serena and Venus Williams, when discussing the legendary veteran.
Gael Monfils’ best-ever run at Roland Garros
Monfils has reached the quarter-finals of his home Grand Slam on three occasions, but only in 2008 did he break through to enjoy his best-ever run at Roland Garros.
Breezing through the opening two rounds with straight-sets wins over Arnaud Clément and Luis Horna, the fresh-faced Monfils found his first real resistance in the third round.
Finding himself two-sets-to-one down against Jürgen Melzer, he rallied to win the last two sets whilst dropping just two games.
This set up a fourth-round clash against Ivan Ljubičić, who just two years ago had been ranked third in the world.
Monfils made light work of the Croatian though, winning in four sets.
David Ferrer represented his toughest challenge yet in the quarterfinals, but again the Frenchman overcame the fifth seed in four sets to set up a mouth-watering semi-final against Roger Federer.
Who will you miss the most of these retiring legends? 😢
This is where Monfils’ magical run would sadly come to an end, although he did snatch a set from the world number one despite his loss.
Federer would go on to lose heavily in the final to Rafael Nadal, who dropped just four games all match.
