Gael Monfils, a prodigious talent in the world of professional tennis and a seasoned French veteran, has kicked off 2025 with a surprisingly scintillating performance. Despite being 38, Monfils’ form in the first two months of the new season has been remarkable, exceeding all expectations.
Nicknamed ‘La Monf’, he took home the coveted trophy from Auckland in January and demonstrated a masterclass in tactical execution against world number 4, Taylor Fritz, at the Australian Open. However, Monfils, currently ranked 42, has hit a speed bump with a series of physical ailments, causing a minor slump in his performance levels.
Despite the setback, Monfils, when fully fit, remains a daunting adversary for anyone on the tour. His experience, skill, and guile make the former world No.6 a formidable contender on the court.
Recently, Monfils, in a candid chat with NBA legend Tony Parker – the erstwhile star of the San Antonio Spurs – shed light on a haunting memory from his career. It was a loss that continues to sting the star tennis player. The match in question was against none other than Roger Federer in the 2014 US Open quarterfinals.
Reflecting on the painful defeat, Monfils confessed, “In 2014 I lost with two match points against Roger Federer, in the quarter-finals of the US Open. This is the year Marin Cilic won, so I’m not saying… but there could’ve been a way to win the title.”
Monfils was referring to the fact that had he overcome Federer, his next opponent would have been Cilic in the semifinals – a player he potentially could have defeated. He further added, “You play Cilic in the semis, I didn’t know he was going to win, so already it’s not Rafa Nadal or Novak Djokovic, and he plays Kei Nishikori, in the final.”
During that period, Monfils was at the peak of his career, having previously given Federer a run for his money in Cincinnati just a few weeks prior. In the critical quarterfinal against Federer, Monfils was leading by two sets and had two match points in the fourth set. However, a dramatic turn of events in the fifth set saw him lose his grip on the match.
The regret is deeply rooted in the fact that a win against Federer could have potentially paved the way for Monfils to capture the first Grand Slam title of his career. A missed opportunity that, in retrospect, could have rewritten history for the Frenchman.