Daijiworld Media Network – Paris (DD)
Paris, May 28: In a match that will be etched in French tennis memory for years, Gael Monfils, the ever-dazzling maestro of clay, scripted yet another heroic comeback on the hallowed courts of Roland Garros, defeating Bolivia’s Hugo Dellien in a marathon five-set thriller on Tuesday.
At 38, Monfils may shy away from the tag of a gladiator, but his performance under the lights of Court Philippe-Chatrier was nothing short of a masterclass in resilience and flair. Trailing by two sets, the Parisian crowd’s favourite turned the tide in spectacular fashion, claiming victory with a scoreline of 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(4), 6-1 — notching his 12th five-set win at Roland Garros.
Early tension gripped the court when Monfils collided with the sideline wall during just the fifth point, prompting a medical timeout for injuries to his hand, knee, and back. For many, it seemed like an early end was on the cards. But in true Monfils style, what followed was a symphony of risk, resolve, and raw brilliance.
“No, not stronger. I don't like such a situation,” Monfils later confessed, downplaying any romanticism around comebacks. “These are not situations that I like. Even less now... I always manage, but that’s it.”
Yet the magic was undeniable. At one point, facing what seemed like a lost rally, Monfils produced an audacious winner that left even him astonished. “It’s difficult to express. It’s really magic,” he smiled. “It’s strange, but there’s this point… I tried something. I thought I was going to lose it. I hit a winner. I had to dare. That is magic.”
Tuesday’s triumph also saw Monfils equal a prestigious milestone — 40 career wins at Roland Garros, drawing level with Yannick Noah for the most by a Frenchman at the Grand Slam. When informed, Monfils chuckled, “I won 40 times here? It means I’ve played for a long time, that’s probably the reason why.”
But fans know it's not just about how long he’s played — it’s how he’s played. With his signature athleticism, emotional transparency, and boundless charisma, Monfils continues to captivate. Every shot is a spectacle, every point an act of defiance against age and expectation.
Up next, he faces a formidable challenge in fifth seed Jack Draper in the second round. But with Monfils, form books go flying out the window. He may be reluctant to endure five-set wars, but his heart and artistry remain unrelenting, and Paris wouldn’t want it any other way.