© @OnlyRogerCanFly X account
Gael Monfils won the 12th title of his career, triumphing in Stockholm, almost two years after his last success, matching a Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s milestone. A special weekend for the French champion, who succeeded in a feat that perhaps not even he believed possible anymore, prevailing in a hard-fought 2 hour and 38 minute final over the Russian Kotov with a score of 4-6 7-6(6) 6-3.
A match in which the 37-year-old Parisian had even fallen behind, but with great willpower and sagacity he managed to overturn it, saving three very dangerous break points that smacked of match points in the eleventh game of the second set.
A perfect tournament that Gael played, which allowed him to gain 50 positions in the ATP ranking, returning to the top 100 (90th). As mentioned, Monfils is one of the oldest active tennis players. The Frenchman, despite never having managed to win a Slam or a Masters 1000 during his career, is recognized as one of the most talented on the circuit.
With the title won in Sweden, the Parisian joined several legends in a very special ranking. 18 years have passed since his first trophy won, when he was little more than an adult. On that occasion he triumphed in Sopot, Poland.
Like him, other great names in this sport, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andrè Agassi, Richard Gasquet.
Monfils’ words after the success in Stockholm
Monfils dedicated the success to the most important people in his life: “Special week for me with 3 women.
My mother, thank you. As always it’s nice to win a title in front of her. My wife Elina. Thank you. The last one is my daughter Skaï who is watching in front of the TV. It’s the first time I’ve won a title as a father. She is very special.
The funny thing is, it’s my 12th title. After 12 years I won here. I think 12 is my lucky number, so…crazy.”
📊 Tenistas con 🏆 con más temporadas de diferencia (Open Era/Men’s Singles):
🇺🇸 Andre Agassi | 18 (1987-2005)
🇨🇭 Roger Federer | 18 (2001-2019)
🇪🇸 Rafa Nadal | 18 (2004-2022)
🇫🇷 Richard Gasquet | 18 (2005-2023)
🇫🇷 GAEL MONFILS | 18 (2005-2023) pic.twitter.com/X81AvE7duY — MisterOnly.Tennis (@OnlyRogerCanFly) October 22, 2023
