Did Gael Monfils Pull Off a Stunning Comeback at the French Open?
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Synopsis
In a breathtaking match at the French Open, Gael Monfils overcame a two-set deficit to secure a dramatic victory against Hugo Dellien. The match showcased Monfils' fighting spirit and resilience, thrilling the home crowd. As he prepares for his next challenge against Jack Draper, fans are eager to see if he can continue his remarkable journey.
Key Takeaways
- Monfils' comeback from two sets down highlights his resilience.
- This match marked Monfils' 40th win at Roland Garros.
- He is now tied with Yannick Noah for the most wins by a French player.
- Monfils has set an Open era record with 12 five-set victories.
- The atmosphere during the match was electric, showcasing the passion of the home crowd.
Paris, May 28 (NationPress) Gael Monfils experienced a frightening tumble early in his first-round encounter at the French Open, yet he displayed remarkable resilience in a valiant comeback on home soil. Monfils overturned a two-set deficit to defeat Hugo Dellien with scores of 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(4), 6-1 in a thrilling contest.
For only the third time in his illustrious career, the 38-year-old managed to recover from two sets down to clinch victory — the first time this has happened at Roland Garros. The home crowd was electrified as the match stretched past midnight.
In a gripping three-hour and 34-minute battle, the right-handed player secured his comeback by winning three consecutive sets for the first time in a decade, with his last such achievement occurring against fellow Frenchman Lucas Pouille in the first round of the 2015 Australian Open.
This victory marked a significant milestone for Monfils for multiple reasons. It was his 40th win at Roland Garros, tying him with Yannick Noah for the most wins by a French player in the Open era.
Out of these victories, twelve have been in five-set matches — an Open era record as well. Previously, he was tied with Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka in this regard.
“Every time I play at Roland-Garros, it feels magical. I had a close call with the (courtside signage), which was a little scary, and it took me some time to regain my composure due to the pressure,” Monfils expressed during an on-court interview.
“I aim to perform well for myself, but also for you, as it’s an honor and privilege to compete in a night session.”
“The energy was palpable, and I sensed the tide turning when the Marseillaise played. In those moments, I realize I’ve seized momentum, and with this connection to the crowd, victory feels within reach,” he added.
Monfils is set to face No.5 seed Jack Draper in the second round on Thursday.
“We’ll aim to recover well because another significant challenge awaits against Draper,” he concluded.
Point of View
It is our responsibility to highlight the resilience and talent of athletes like Gael Monfils, who continue to inspire despite facing challenges. His remarkable comeback at Roland Garros is a testament to his dedication and the spirit of competition in tennis. We are proud to bring this story to our readers, showcasing the triumphs of sportsmanship.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has Monfils come back from two sets down?
Gael Monfils has come back from two sets down only three times in his career, with this being the first occurrence at the French Open.
What records did Monfils achieve with this victory?
With this win, Monfils achieved his 40th victory at Roland Garros, tying him with Yannick Noah for the most wins by a Frenchman in the Open era.
Who will Monfils face in the next round?
In the second round, Gael Monfils will compete against No.5 seed Jack Draper.
