Gael Monfils, the French tennis veteran, has once again etched his name in the record books, but this time for a rather somber reason. Following his retirement from the Australian Open fourth-round match against Ben Shelton, Monfils has become the tennis player with the most retirements in the Open Era. The 38-year-old was forced to retire due to a back injury, ending his impressive run at Melbourne Park.
Monfils had been in stellar form, winning eight matches in a row, including victories over fourth seed Taylor Fritz and Daniel Altmaier. His performance had captivated fans and showcased his enduring talent and resilience. However, the physical toll of the match against the young American proved too much, and Monfils had to make the difficult decision to retire.
The match itself was a thrilling encounter, with both players pushing each other to the limits. Shelton, at 22, displayed his powerful serve and forehand, while Monfils countered with his incredible shot-making and experience. The crowd was treated to a display of high-level tennis, with the first three sets going to tiebreaks. Ultimately, Shelton secured his place in the quarterfinals, but it was Monfils’ emotional farewell that left a lasting impression on everyone present.
Monfils’ retirement was met with a standing ovation from the crowd, acknowledging his contributions to the sport and his remarkable career. Despite the disappointment of not being able to continue, Monfils’ legacy as one of the most entertaining and resilient players in tennis history remains intact.
As Monfils exits the tournament, the tennis world reflects on his achievements and the impact he has had on the sport. His record-breaking run and his numerous retirements highlight the physical demands of professional tennis and the challenges players face as they age. Monfils’ journey at the Australian Open may have ended prematurely, but his influence on the game will be remembered for years to come.
Gael Monfils in 2025
LWLLLWLWLW Currently ranked no.41, Gael played his last match on the 20th of January when he had to retire when playing against world no.20 Ben Shelton in the 4th round and the scoreline was 7-6(3) 6-7(3) 7-6(2) 1-0 .
Until now, during this year Monfils has achieved an overall 9-2 record. Gael has won 1 title in Auckland.
Monfils will play next in Montpellier (Open Occitanie). He will start from the main draw that will commence on the 27th of January.
