Credits: Hameltion / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 4.0.
Gaël Monfils played his first grass-court match of the season this Tuesday, June 10, in Stuttgart. He lost in three sets to Alex Michelsen, a 20-year-old American ranked No. 35 in the world. The Frenchman, now No. 42 in the ATP rankings, nevertheless put in a respectable performance.
However, beyond the loss, it was the reaction from bettors that drew attention. Within hours, numerous hateful messages flooded Monfils’ social media accounts. Some blamed him for losing their money. Others sank into racist or personal insults. The player decided to respond head-on.
A Video Response Full Of Irony
On his Instagram account, Monfils posted a video in English. In it, he adopts a mocking tone to call out the absurd logic of his critics. “This is not financial advice, but seriously, you’re still betting on me?” he says with a smile. He points out that this is his first grass-court tournament of the season. He highlights his opponent’s youth and ranking.
In this way, 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 quips. Behind the humor, Monfils delivers a clear message: online hate is often based on nothing rational.
Racist Attacks In 2025
Even more serious, some messages targeted the player’s skin color. “We’re in 2025 and you’re still talking to me about this?” he fumes. He invites internet users to “pick up some books” and “move past this outdated era.”
Monfils then makes light of the attacks. He says he’s handsome because “his mother and wife keep telling him so.” He even advises those who want to look like him to get more sun, “but with sunscreen.”
These sharp remarks call out a persistent reality: racism in sports has not disappeared, even in professional and highly visible arenas like tennis.
When Hate Spills Into Private Life
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 it. If you’ve got anger, direct it at me only.”
He invokes karma to discourage such behavior. He says going after loved ones means crossing a dangerous line.
A Denunciation Praised On Social Media
Monfils’ message resonated widely. Many internet users praised his statement, which mixed humor with gravity. Over the past few years, the Frenchman has become a popular figure on social media. He is loved for his spontaneity and his plainspoken style.
But his message also fits into a broader context. In 2024, more than 12,000 hate messages were recorded in tennis, according to the ITF. The phenomenon affects men and women alike, young players and veterans alike. Players such as Caroline Garcia have also spoken out about this cyberharassment.
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 one final touch of good-natured irony.
His outburst, both necessary and powerful, is a reminder that athletes, even famous ones, are still human. And that respect should never be optional.