Gaël Monfils: The Brilliance of the Survivor

Gaël Monfils celebrates his historic victory at the Madrid Masters 1000 at 38 years old

At 38 years old, Gaël Monfils, an icon of French tennis and an emblematic figure of the ATP circuit, defies the laws of time and high-level sport. This Wednesday, April 23, 2025, he became the oldest player to win at the Madrid Masters 1000, a key stage of the ATP Tour calendar. By defeating Croatian Borna Gojo, ranked 353rd in the world, Monfils enriched an already remarkable record in the history of men’s tennis.

Moreover, this victory was not a mere formality. Crushed in the first set, the Frenchman drew on his physical and mental resources to turn the match around. Thanks to a refined game strategy and a unique ability to reignite the flame, he won in three sets (1-6, 6-2, 6-4), after 1 hour and 42 minutes of battle, confirming his role as an inspiring veteran of world tennis.

On the court, Monfils seems to defy gravity as well as time. This frozen motion in his momentum highlights that he has won Grand Slam matches across three different decades. It's a rarity in the history of tennis.
On the court, Monfils seems to defy gravity as well as time. This frozen motion in his momentum highlights that he has won Grand Slam matches across three different decades. It’s a rarity in the history of tennis.

A career marked by comebacks and brilliance

Born on September 1, 1986, in Paris, Gaël Monfils turned professional in 2004. That same year, he became the junior world champion. This revealed a raw talent that many saw as destined for a Grand Slam victory. However, recurring injuries have punctuated his career, slowing an otherwise meteoric rise.

Despite this, he has reached the heights. In 2016, he reached the 6th place in the ATP rankings, his career-best ranking. He now has 13 ATP titles, the latest in Auckland in January 2025. This historic success crowns him as the oldest winner on the circuit. This dates back to the establishment of the ATP computer rankings in 1990.

On that day in April 2025, Monfils, 38 years old, became the oldest player to win a Masters 1000 since the computer era. Behind that smile lies a comeback match and a revenge against time – a feat of endurance and spirit.
On that day in April 2025, Monfils, 38 years old, became the oldest player to win a Masters 1000 since the computer era. Behind that smile lies a comeback match and a revenge against time – a feat of endurance and spirit.

Monfils symbolizes sporting resilience. Each return to the courts is proof of his perseverance. He plays with the sacred fire of enthusiasts, driven by an undiminished desire for competition and spectacle.

A personal life in the spotlight, between modesty and sharing

Married to Elina Svitolina, a star of women’s tennis, Monfils embodies an iconic couple in professional sports. Together, they share part of their daily life via the Instagram account G.E.M.S.life, closely followed by tennis fans. The birth of their daughter Skaï in 2022 reinforced this image of a united family in the spotlight.

However, despite his fame, Gaël Monfils maintains a certain modesty about his personal commitments. Licensed at the Levallois Sporting Club, he lives in Switzerland, away from the media frenzy. This contrast between the media coverage of his family life and his natural discretion enhances the endearing complexity of this champion.

The marriage of Gaël Monfils and Elina Svitolina sealed the union of two impressive careers and a shared passion. Together, they created G.E.M.S.life, a nod to their initials and a rare bond between stars of the circuit.
The marriage of Gaël Monfils and Elina Svitolina sealed the union of two impressive careers and a shared passion. Together, they created G.E.M.S.life, a nod to their initials and a rare bond between stars of the circuit.

A spectacular figure in world tennis

On the courts, Monfils is more than just a competitor: he is an artist. Known for his spectacular slides, daring drop shots, and out-of-this-world strokes, he captivates a wide audience with his intuitive play. In every match, he creates an event. He embodies a rare form of sporting spectacle in the world of professional tennis.

His performances against tennis legends are numerous: he is among the few players to have defeated Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, the pillars of the Big Three. He is also the only player to have not conceded a single ace against Ivo Karlovic, one of the greatest servers in history.

His creativity, flexibility, and spontaneity make him unique. In a sport dominated by consistency and strategy, he embodies surprise, freedom, and raw emotion.

With his daughter in his arms and Elina by his side, Monfils reveals his most beautiful side: that of a fulfilled father. Born in 2022, Skaï brightens his second tennis youth, serving as a source of motivation that is both subtle and powerful.
With his daughter in his arms and Elina by his side, Monfils reveals his most beautiful side: that of a fulfilled father. Born in 2022, Skaï brightens his second tennis youth, serving as a source of motivation that is both subtle and powerful.

A career ending in apotheosis?

In 2025, Monfils continues to deliver high-level performances. He shines in Doha, Indian Wells, and Madrid, competing with the best on the circuit. His match against Taylor Fritz, world number 4, at the Australian Open, left a mark: a striking proof that his level of play remains formidable.

Yet, his body sometimes reminds him of the limits imposed by time. In the round of 16 in Melbourne, he withdrew against Ben Shelton, suffering from persistent pain. But this does not stop him. In his statements, he repeats: he now plays for pleasure, to inspire, to feel the fervor of the public.

Invited on set, Monfils speaks with the same spontaneity as he plays. Behind the smile, there is a clear-sighted view of his career, his battles, and the evolution of tennis. He embodies a living memory of the circuit, balancing humor and sincerity.
Invited on set, Monfils speaks with the same spontaneity as he plays. Behind the smile, there is a clear-sighted view of his career, his battles, and the evolution of tennis. He embodies a living memory of the circuit, balancing humor and sincerity.

The flair of an eternal fighter

Gaël Monfils no longer chases rankings or records. He offers the tennis world a different narrative: that of a man faithful to his art, a champion driven by passion more than statistics. Thus, each point becomes a suspended moment, each match, an ode to longevity and the beauty of the gesture.

In a sports universe often obsessed with numbers, Monfils reminds us that boldness, sincerity, and generosity on the court can resonate beyond results. His inspiring journey has become a model for young players, a contemporary fable about tenacity.