French Open: 38-yr-old Gael Monfils makes history, surpasses Stan Wawrinka with 5-set win over Hugo Dellien
13-time ATP singles title holder Gael Monfils has shown that age is just a number at the French Open 2025. The 38-year-old Tennis player pulled off a comeback for the ages against Hugo Dellien in the Round of 128. The veteran Monfils had lost the first two sets 4-6 and 4-3, respectively, and looked out of the game. However, he didn't give up and dominantly raised his game.
He won the third set 6-1, pulling the game from under the rug. The fourth set was quite the thriller, ending up in a tie-break. Gael Monfils' experience came into play as the veteran remained calm and won the fourth set, tying the game score. After that, he put up yet another dominant performance in the fifth set to win it 6-1 against the 90th-ranked Hugo Dellien.
Gael Monfils writes his name in the history books of the ATP
Gael Monfils' stunning comeback earned him a place in the history books of professional tennis competition. With the win over Hugo Dellien, the 42nd-ranked veteran became the first player in the competition's history to win 12 five-setters in a men's singles match at the Roland Garros during the ongoing "Open Era".
GAEL MONFILS DOING THIS AT 38 YEARS OF AGETHE SHOWMAN NEVER FAILS TO DELIVER pic.twitter.com/IuxlZwh0G6
Monfils and Stan Wawrinka were positioned together in the French Open with 11 five-setter wins. The win over Hugo Dellien helped the 38-year-old create history and go past Stan Wawrinka.
Additionally, this was Gael Monfils' 40th win at the French Open tournament, tying with Yannick Noah's record for most wins by a French player in the competition.
'For me is the belief, the belief of myself", says Gael Monfils after the win against Hugo Dellien
The match started shakily for the veteran, having suffered an early injury scare that made the crowd silent, but Monfils was determined to showcase his skills at his home tournament. From losing consecutive sets to winning the match, the former title holder defied all odds to break records and create history.
In the post-match press conference, he shared his thoughts on the win and the record. 'I won 40 times here? It means I've played for a long time. That's probably the reason why," he added.
Gael Monfils:'I knew the match was over the moment I made that pass at 2-2 in the fourth set tiebreak' 🥶🥶pic.twitter.com/TwSEO0mdBl
He also talked about his determination to play at the top level in the final years of his professional career. Gael Monfils said, 'For me is the belief, the belief of myself. I know in Roland Garros is a little bit different, so I even push more,'.
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