Gaël Monfils’ Lesson in Spirit to Racist Attacks

Facing the camera, Monfils speaks with calmness but firmness: his response is not an impulsive outburst, it is a political act. In the interview, he transforms the hatred he received into a platform for education and dignity.

Gaël Monfils played his first grass-court match of the season on Tuesday, June 10, in Stuttgart. He was defeated in three sets by Alex Michelsen, a young 20-year-old American ranked 35th in the world. The Frenchman, currently 42nd in the ATP rankings, nevertheless delivered an honorable performance.

However, beyond the defeat, it was the reaction of the bettors that caught attention. In just a few hours, numerous hateful messages flooded Monfils’ social media. Some blamed him for losing money. Others resorted to racist or personal insults. The player decided to respond directly.

His salute to the audience is not just a simple gesture of courtesy. It is that of a man who, despite the insults, continues to respond with class. He reminds us that a champion is also measured by his humanity.
His salute to the audience is not just a simple gesture of courtesy. It is that of a man who, despite the insults, continues to respond with class. He reminds us that a champion is also measured by his humanity.

A video response full of irony

On his Instagram account, Monfils posted a video in English. He adopts a mocking tone to denounce the absurd logic of his detractors. "This is not financial advice but seriously, you keep betting on me?" he says with a smile. He reminds them that it is his first grass-court tournament of the season. He highlights the youth and ranking of his opponent.

Thus, he turns the criticism back on its authors. "You say I’m bad, I know it, you know it, and you still bet on me?" he jokes. Behind the humor, Monfils delivers a clear message: digital hate often has no rational basis.

Racist attacks in 2025

Even more seriously, some messages targeted the player’s skin color. "We are in 2025 and you’re still talking to me about this?" he protests. He invites internet users to "open books" and "move on from this bygone era."

Monfils then mocks the attacks. He says he is handsome because "his mother and his wife tell him so." He even advises those who want to look like him to get more sun exposure, "but with sunscreen."

On his wedding day, Monfils displayed the love and pride of his roots. In the face of racism, this photo becomes a symbol: that of a man standing tall, anchored in a happy and embraced identity.
On his wedding day, Monfils displayed the love and pride of his roots. In the face of racism, this photo becomes a symbol: that of a man standing tall, anchored in a happy and embraced identity.

These sharp remarks highlight a persistent reality: racism in sports has not disappeared, even in professional and media-covered spheres like tennis.

When hate spills over into the private sphere

Some messages did not stop at attacking the player. They also targeted his family, notably his mother and his wife, tennis player Elina Svitolina. Monfils is outraged: "Leave them out of this. If you have rage, direct it at me only."

He invokes karma to dissuade such behaviors. He asserts that attacking loved ones crosses a dangerous line.

In the family, Gaël Monfils appears calm and protective. It is this intimate foundation that he defends against attacks. His message is clear: neither fame nor sport justifies hatred. Never.
In the family, Gaël Monfils appears calm and protective. It is this intimate foundation that he defends against attacks. His message is clear: neither fame nor sport justifies hatred. Never.

A denunciation praised on social media

Monfils’ message resonated widely. Many internet users praised his speech, mixing humor and seriousness. In recent years, the Frenchman has become a popular figure on social media. He is loved for his spontaneity and straightforwardness.

But his message also fits into a broader context. In 2024, more than 12,000 hateful messages were recorded in tennis according to the ITF. The phenomenon affects both men and women, young and veteran players alike. Players like Caroline Garcia have also testified to this cyberbullying.

A voice against sports cyberbullying

Gaël Monfils reminds us that a lost match never justifies hate. Through his humor and determination, he embodies a form of modern resistance to online toxicity. "Kisses and peace to your soul," he concludes in French, in a final touch of benevolent irony.

His necessary and impactful outburst reminds us that athletes, even famous ones, are still human. And that respect should never be optional.

This article was written by Christian Pierre.