Paris, May 28, 2025 — Gaël Monfils, the 38-year-old French tennis maestro, delivered yet another unforgettable performance at Roland Garros, overcoming a two-set deficit to defeat Bolivia’s Hugo Dellien in a thrilling five-set encounter: 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(4), 6-1. This victory not only marked his 12th five-set win at the French Open—a new Open Era record—but also tied him with Yannick Noah for the most singles match wins by a Frenchman at Roland Garros, with 40 victories
A Dramatic Start
The match began ominously for Monfils. During the fifth point, he chased a forehand and collided with the courtside signage, injuring his hand, knee, and back. Despite the early setback and requiring a medical timeout, Monfils chose to continue, demonstrating his trademark resilience.
The Comeback
After losing the first two sets, Monfils found his rhythm in the third, dominating with a 6-1 win. The fourth set was tightly contested, culminating in a tiebreak where Monfils showcased his flair with a daring passing shot that shifted the momentum in his favor. He described this pivotal moment as “magic,” stating, “I tried something. I thought I was going to lose the point. I thought this was over. I hit a winner. I had to dare. That is magic. You go for it and, boom, you succeed”.
In the final set, Monfils maintained his dominance, closing out the match with a commanding 6-1 scoreline. This victory was his third comeback from two sets down in a Grand Slam, the last being at the 2015 Australian Open .
A Career of Resilience
Monfils’ journey has been marked by both brilliance and adversity. He has faced multiple injuries and contemplated retirement, notably around 2020 and again in 2022 following a severe foot injury. Each time, the support of his wife, fellow tennis professional Elina Svitolina, played a crucial role in his decision to continue competing .
His dedication to the sport and ability to captivate audiences with his dynamic play have made him a beloved figure in tennis. As the oldest player in the ATP top 100, currently ranked No. 42, Monfils continues to defy expectations and inspire fans worldwide.
What’s Next
Monfils is set to face fifth seed Jack Draper in the second round. While acknowledging the challenges ahead, he remains focused on enjoying each moment on the court. Reflecting on his 40th win at Roland Garros, he remarked, “It means I’ve played for a long time, that’s probably the reason why”.
As Monfils continues his campaign at the French Open, fans eagerly anticipate more magical moments from the French showman.
