Despite an epic fight in 3 sets, Gaël Monfils was forced to retire in the round of 16 of the Australian Open against the fiery American Ben Shelton. At 38, the Frenchman gave everything on the court before having to throw in the towel…
It is with a heavy heart but head held high that Gaël Monfils left the court at Melbourne Park this Monday. The 38-year-old French veteran, although in great form since the start of the tournament, was forced to retire in the round of 16 of the Australian Open against the young American Ben Shelton, after an epic fight in 3 sets.
A High-Flying Duel
Monfils and Shelton offered the spectators a magnificent spectacle for more than 2 hours. The two men went blow for blow, stringing together spectacular points and suspenseful decisive games. The first round, dominated by the servers, was decided by a few points, with a tie-break won by Shelton.
But Monfils didn’t give up. Determined not to let himself be destabilized by the enthusiasm of his young opponent, the Frenchman continued to impose his powerful game and his legendary combativeness. He managed to equalize at one set all at the end of a masterfully controlled second tie-break.
The Loose Body, Not the Mind
It was in the third set that things got complicated for Monfils. After more than 2 hours of play, the thirty-year-old’s physique began to fail. He could no longer push his legs as well and conceded the entry break. But the heart was still there. At no time did Monfils give up, fighting on each point as if it were his last.
I gave everything, I even gave too much.
-Monfils said after the match.
Unfortunately, his body did not allow him to complete this fight. Handicapped by an injury, he had to resolve to give up at 1-0 in the 4th set, not without having electrified the public one last time with his self-sacrifice.
Head held high despite defeat
If the disappointment was palpable, Monfils can nevertheless be proud of his performance in Melbourne. At 38 years old, he has proven that he still has the level to compete with the best in the world and excite crowds with his passion and commitment. He leaves the tournament with his head held high, with the satisfaction of having given his all on the court.
His journey commands respect and admiration. The public was not mistaken, giving him a standing ovation as he left the court. Gaël Monfils is a champion with a big heart who never gives up, and this is also why he will remain as one of the most loved and admired French players of his generation.
Even if he will not go all the way in Melbourne, his 2025 Australian Open will have left its mark with the intensity, fervor and passion he displayed. And that is already a great victory for this extraordinary champion.
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