French superstar Gael Monfils’ latest five-set triumph at Roland Garros sent fans into a frenzy and saw the record books rewritten at his home Grand Slam tournament.
After an early injury scare, Monfils recovered from two-sets-to-love down against Bolivia’s Hugo Dellien at Court Philippe Chatrier on Tuesday evening, scoring a win that etched his name in tournament history.
At 38 years, eight months and 27 days, he became the oldest player in the Open era to win a match at Roland Garros after conceding the first two sets.
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The 4-6 3-6 6-1 7-6(4) 6-1 result marked his 12th five-set triumph at the claycourt major, more than any other player has achieved in the Open era.
And it means he joins the legendary Yannick Noah – the 1983 Roland Garros champion – on 40 career match wins at the event, the highest number in men’s singles among all French players in the Open era.
“I won 40 times here?” Monfils said in surprise during the French portion of his press conference. “It means I've played for a long time. That's probably the reason why.”
That may be simplifying things somewhat, but indeed, Monfils debuted at Roland Garros exactly 20 years ago, 12 months after winning the 2004 boys’ singles title.
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This is his 18th main-draw campaign in Paris, but the reason he’s accumulated so many match wins is because of consistently deep runs. His best result was a semifinal in 2008 and he is also a three-time quarterfinalist (2009, 2011, 2014). He has reached the second week another four times, most recently in 2019.
Monfils, currently ranked 42nd, is the oldest man inside the top 100. Only one other player is aged 38 and that’s Novak Djokovic, who celebrated his birthday last week.
Despite his age and long history of injuries, the Frenchman maintains an impressive presence on tour and continues to win titles; his victory in Auckland in January made him the oldest man to win a tour-level title since Ken Rosewall in 1977.
But nowhere is he more dangerous than at Roland Garros – especially beneath the Court Philippe Chatrier lights.
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“For me is the belief, the belief of myself. I know in Roland Garros is a little bit different, so I even push more,” he replied, when asked how he produced epic performances such as his latest against Dellien.
“I love night sessions. I think it's fabulous. I was lucky enough to have that several times. It's just extraordinary. I try to do the best I can.
“I hope for the next match it will be a night session. It will depend on many things, including how I wake up in the morning, that I'm ready to face a big fight.
“I can thank [tournament director] Amelie [Mauresmo]. When Amelie asked me, I say, 'Okay, I'm ready or not'. When she asks me, I'll tell her if I'm ready to take on a night session.”
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Grand Slam night sessions lend themselves to blockbusters, and Monfils’ next meeting – against world No.5 Jack Draper – has all the ingredients to make this another, if it is ultimately scheduled in that slot.
The rapidly improving Brit, who beat Mattia Bellucci in round one, arrived in Paris as the Indian Wells champion and Madrid finalists.
Their clash will pit Britain against France, lefty against righty and youth against experience; Draper is 15 years younger than Monfils.
Fifth seed Draper might be the favourite on current form, but Monfils has a shot at more history. There’s the chance to surpass Noah with 41 Roland Garros match wins, plus he could become the oldest player to beat a top-five opponent at the event since ATP rankings were introduced in 1973.
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“I always said Jack would be a top-10 player,” Monfils said. “Like [when] he was a youngster, played [him] a lot in the practice. I really like the kid.
“He's a fantastic player. He has a lot of weapons. He's very gifted. It's going to be a hard one. He's in full confidence.
“I will do what I do best, try to recover and try to give my best there in Paris, in Roland Garros, and we'll see what scenario we will have.”