Tennis has produced countless iconic matches, from five-set Grand Slam finals to marathon battles that pushed the sport’s limits. Fans and players alike continue to debate which match stands out as the most memorable. For Gael Monfils, former World No. 6, one match stands above the rest and it was between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

Speaking on Gilles Simon’s YouTube channel, Monfils was asked to name the most memorable match in tennis history. The 38-year-old pointed to the 2012 Australian Open final between Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, a match that lasted nearly six hours and is widely regarded as one of the greatest battles in the sport.

“The final between Novak [Djokovic] and Rafa [Nadal] where they played more than five hours,” Monfils said. “It’s not just the level for me, it was a crazy final, long and exceptional level. They pushed the limits of tennis again in terms of physicality and level.”

Djokovic edged Nadal in a five-set thriller, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7, 7-5, in a grueling contest that remains the longest Grand Slam final in history. The Serbian lifted the trophy after five hours and 53 minutes, capping off a match that tested both players’ endurance and mental resilience.

Simon, however, had a different choice. He pointed to Rafael Nadal’s victory over Roger Federer in the 2008 Wimbledon final, highlighting its significance in tennis history. “The reason I think Nadal in 2008 [winning Wimbledon against Federer] is memorable is because Rafa had been number two for two or three years, couldn’t get to number one, won on clay but couldn’t win anywhere else,” Simon explained.

Monfils’ strong start to 2025

Monfils, who recently also reflected on the GOAT debate, has enjoyed a resurgent start to the 2025 season, already adding another ATP title to his name. The Frenchman won the ASB Classic in Auckland, defeating Zizou Bergs in the final while dropping just one set throughout the tournament. With the victory, Monfils became the oldest champion in ATP history, surpassing Roger Federer’s record set at the 2019 Basel Open.

His strong form continued at the Australian Open, where he reached the fourth round, knocking out No. 4 seed Taylor Fritz along the way. With momentum on his side, Monfils will extend his remarkable career, which he admitted recently was almost going to end if not for his wife Elina Svitolina.

At 38 years old, Gael Monfils has been a mainstay on the ATP Tour for nearly two decades, known for his electrifying athleticism and entertaining style of play. Over the years, he has competed against legends like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, as well as the new generation of players. However, Monfils recently shared that without his wife, fellow tennis player Elina Svitolina, he likely would have retired much earlier.

Speaking on his podcast Talk Show with former ATP player Gilles Simon, Monfils reflected on how close he came to walking away from the sport, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. “If I hadn’t met Elina, I would’ve retired already… no doubt. I think I would’ve called it quits after COVID. At that time, I was still in the top 10, but it meant nothing to me. Empty stadiums… it was a different energy. I just felt it wasn’t for me anymore.”

Monfils recalled discussing retirement with Svitolina, explaining that he struggled to regain his level and found himself frustrated. “I started to tell Elina that maybe it was time to stop. I couldn’t get back to my previous level, and it was deeply frustrating. She helped me get through it. Not right away, but when winter came, I started feeling that spark again. A bit of joy on court… for me, this is crucial.”

That spark led to a strong resurgence, including a title run in Adelaide and a deep Australian Open run in 2022, but another injury setback reignited doubts. “Then I had a good run, got my ranking back up to #14, won Adelaide, reached the Australian Open quarterfinals. But then came another injury, my foot… I was out for seven months. On top of that, Elina was pregnant, I had a serious family issue… and honestly, I thought, ‘This is the end.’”

He continued, “But Elina… she found the right words. She said to me, ‘Look, I’m coming back after giving birth… so you can do it too.’ She gave me motivation. I told her, ‘I need a clear goal,’ and we set one together. She helped me immensely. And then I said, and everyone laughed, ‘I want to qualify for the Olympics.’ At that point, I was ranked somewhere around 400 in the world.”

Now, Monfils credits his wife with saving his career. “My wife literally saved me. She reignited that fire in me. You know, sometimes it’s burning bright, sometimes it’s barely a flame. She brought it back. So yes, to answer the question… she played a huge, decisive role in the fact that I’m still playing tennis. Thank you, Elina.”

Monfils’ 2025 season resurgence

At 38 years old, Monfils has continued to defy expectations. At the 2025 ASB Classic in Auckland, he became the oldest quarterfinalist since 1970 with a straight-sets win over ninth seed Jan-Lennard Struff. He advanced to the final after defeating Facundo Diaz Acosta and Nishesh Basavareddy, eventually claiming the title and becoming the oldest ATP champion since Ken Rosewall in 1977.

Recently, at the Miami Open, he became the second-oldest player to reach the fourth round of a Masters 1000 event after defeating Jiri Lehecka and Jaume Munar.

Monfils and Svitolina went public with their relationship in 2019, got engaged on April 3, 2021, and tied the knot on July 16. The couple later welcomed a daughter in 2022.

The match between Alcaraz and Monfils started on Thursday 15, but had to be suspended due to rain when both were playing the second set tiebreaker. Before the match was suspended, the Spaniard had won the first set 6-4 and the score in the second set was 6-6 with 1-3 in the tie break in favor of Monfils.

After almost two hours waiting to see if the rain would stop, the organization decided to cancel the rest of the day. The match finally resumed on Thursday 16, with Monfils taking that second-set tiebreak to level the match and force a third set.

During the third set, after losing the opportunity to recover a break that he had already given to Monfils and seeing how the score was 3-1 against him, Alcaraz lost his nerves and smashed his racket. Afterwards, both players defended their serve and in this way the Frenchman Monfils took the third set 6-4.

Cincinnati Open: How the quarter-finals will be played

While Jannik Sinner will face Andrey Rublev in the quarterfinals and Alexander Zverev is waiting to know his opponent, the other matches in the round of 16 that were postponed due to rain have yet to be decided.

Round of 16 matches

• Ben Shelton vs Fabian Marozsan
• Hubert Hurkacz vs Flavio Cobolli
• Frances Tiafoe vs Jiri Lehecka
• Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Jack Draper
• Holger Rune vs Gael Monfils

[Watch Carlos Alcaraz vs Gael Monfils online for FREE in the US on Fubo]

Carlos Alcaraz, making his tournament debut in the second round due to his ranking, encountered little resistance in dispatching his compatriot Roberto Carballes Baena with a convincing scoreline of 6-2 and 6-1. His performance left little opportunity for his opponent to mount a challenge.

Now, Alcaraz aims to maintain this high level of play, reminiscent of his recent showing at Indian Wells, as he faces Gael Monfils. Monfils, who has navigated through two challenging matches in the opening rounds, will be eager to spring a surprise against the tournament favorite.

When will the Carlos Alcaraz vs Gael Monfils match be played?

The third round match of the 2024 Miami Open between Carlos Alcaraz and Gael Monfils will take place this Monday, March 25 at 7:00 PM (ET) estimated time.

Carlos Alcaraz vs Gael Monfils: Time by State in the US

ET: 7:00 PM**
CT: 6:00 PM
MT: 5:00 PM
PT: 4:00 PM
**Estimated time

Where to watch Carlos Alcaraz vs Gael Monfils

You can watch this match corresponding to the third round of the 2024 Miami Open between Carlos Alcaraz and Gael Monfils through Fubo (free trial). Other options: Tennis Channel.

The third round of the Northern & Southern Open 2023 will present the most accomplished player on the tour in the present. This matchup is going to have Gael Monfils meeting Novak Djokovic today. Learn about the date, time and TV channel to watch or live stream the match for free.

[Watch Gael Monfils vs Novak Djokovic online free in the US on Fubo]

Djokovic is returning to a competition for the first time since he lost the US Open final in 2021. His status didn’t allow him to enter the country, but he is back. He defeated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina after his opponent retired before the second set.

Monfils is excelling on hard courts following the grass season. His tennis performance has been at a very high level recently, so he could be dangerous when his game flourishes. Opening with a victory against Cameron Norrie in the initial round, he eliminated Alex de Minaur yesterday.

When will Gael Monfils vs Novak Djokovic be played?

Gael Monfils will play Novak Djokovic in the third round of the Northern & Southern Open 2023 this Thursday, August 17. The game will be played at the center court.

Gael Monfils vs Novak Djokovic: Time by State in the US

ET: 8:30 PM
CT: 7:30 PM
MT: 6:30 PM
PT: 5:30 PM

*It’s the second match of the session, following Linda Noskova vs. Coco Gauff, set to begin at 7:00 PM.

How to watch Gael Monfils vs Novak Djokovic in the US

The match between Gael Monfils and Novak Djokovic in the third round of the Northern & Southern Open 2023 will be available to watch or live stream on Fubo (free trial) in the US. Tennis Channel and Bally Sports are the other options.

[Watch Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Gael Monfils online FREE in the US on Fubo]

The tournament’s inauguration will feature one of the leading contenders for the championship title, Stefanos Tsitsipas. His qualification among the top 8 best contenders has granted him a direct entry into the second round of the tournament. With aspirations to commence his tournament journey on a high note, the Greek player is set to face the challenge of Gael Monfils.

The French player secured his place in the second round by defeating Christopher Eubanks in the initial stage. This impending match will mark their fourth encounter, with Tsitsipas holding two victories thus far, compared to Monfils‘ single triumph.

When will Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Gael Monfils be played?

The match for the second round of the 2023 National Bank Open between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Gael Monfils will take place this Wednesday, August 9 at 12:00 PM.

Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Gael Monfils: Time by State in the US

ET: 12:00 PM
CT: 11:00 AM
MT: 10:00 AM
PT: 9:00 AM

How to watch Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Gael Monfils

This match for the second round of the 2023 National Bank Open final between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Gael Monfils can be watched in the United States on Fubo (free trial). Other options: Tennis Channel.

In the aftermath of his recent win at the Washington DC Open, Gael Monfils provided a glimpse into his future plans, hinting at a potential career shift. At 36 years old, Monfils has faced challenges with injuries, and this year has been no exception. He reflected on his health struggles, expressing uncertainty about how much longer he will continue to compete at the highest level.

Despite his own doubts, Monfils expressed great confidence in his wife’s future in the sport. He acknowledged Elina Svitolina‘s potential to play at a high level for many years to come. However, Monfils hinted that this could be one of his last tournaments in the United States, suggesting that retirement might be on the horizon.

While Monfils contemplates his future in professional tennis, he made it clear that he will continue to be a supportive presence in his wife’s career, expressing, “I feel Elina will play much longer than me. It might be one of my last tournaments in the US. Maybe next year. We don’t know. But soon. But I may come back to support Elina with the baby. So you’ll see me around”.

Watch: Monfils and Svitolina Steal the Show at the Washington DC Open

The Washington DC Open witnessed a captivating display of talent and love as Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina, the dynamic power couple of tennis, took center stage. Their performances on Monday left spectators in awe, with Svitolina claiming an exceptional win against Victoria Azarenka, and Monfils securing a dominant victory over Bjorn Fratangelo.

The excitement began as Svitolina stepped onto the court, facing off against the formidable Victoria Azarenka. In a thrilling match, Svitolina exhibited her skills and determination, defeating Azarenka in straight sets with a remarkable score of 7-6 (2) 6-4. Monfils, watching from the sidelines, couldn’t contain his joy and praised his wife’s “amazing” performance.

Following Svitolina’s triumph, Monfils eagerly took to the court for his own match against Bjorn Fratangelo. The Frenchman displayed his signature style of play, overpowering his opponent with a convincing 6-3 6-4 victory. Monfils’ fans rejoiced in his success, making it a truly victorious day for the couple.

In the Round of 32 at the 2023 Citi Open, tennis fans witnessed a clash between Gael Monfils and Alexander Bublik, the Kazakhstani talent ranked as World No. 25. The match ended in a decisive victory for Monfils, who secured a commanding 6-3, 6-4 victory over Bublik two sets. Amidst the triumph, a contentious incident emerged that left spectators divided.

During the second set, with Bublik leading 40-0 in his service game and on the verge of putting the score at 5-4, Monfils made an unexpected decision. He appeared to abandon any effort to return Bublik’s serves, seemingly convinced that he still maintained an overall advantage. The lack of commitment drew disapproval from the umpire, resulting in a warning for Monfils.

Adding a touch of irony to the situation, Bublik himself couldn’t help but find humor in Monfils’ lackluster display. As Monfils nonchalantly returned to his bench without waiting for the final point to be scored, Bublik’s reaction captured a mix of surprise and amusement. The incident quickly became a talking point, overshadowing Monfils’ otherwise impressive performance on the court.

Monfils’ Warning and On-Court Interaction

The umpire promptly took notice of Monfils’ disengaged approach and issued him a warning for displaying a lack of effort during a crucial juncture in the match. Monfils, however, was not ready to accept the warning quietly. He engaged in a prolonged discussion with the umpire, attempting to justify his perspective on the situation. Despite the discussion, the warning stood.

The incident sparked heated debates among tennis enthusiasts and analysts. While some defended Monfils, emphasizing that he had already secured a comfortable lead, others strongly criticized his actions, arguing that he should have maintained professionalism and competitiveness until the very end.

While Monfils’ victory against Bublik showcased his undeniable talent, the warning he received serves as a poignant reminder that even in moments of dominance, upholding sportsmanship and giving one’s best effort is paramount in the world of professional tennis. This incident will be remembered as a lesson for players about maintaining the spirit of the game.

The American player has made his way into this round after leaving Russian star Andrey Rublev on the way in straight sets – 7-5, 7-6 (5). Previously, he had beatenAlejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-4, 6-1 in the first round and Cristian Garin 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the second, where he conceded his lone set in the main draw.

The Frenchman, meanwhile has arrived at the quarterfinals by knocking John Millman out in a hard-fought game (3-6, 6-3, 6-4) and shocking Frances Tiafoe 6-1, 7-6 (2). Will he prevent Isner from recording a ninth straight win?

John Isner vs Gael Monfils: Match Information

Date: Friday, August 13, 2021
Time: 8:20 PM (ET)
Location: Stadium Court, Aviva Centre, Toronto

John Isner vs Gael Monfils: Time by State in the US

ET: 8:20 PM
CT: 7:20 PM
MT: 6:20 PM
PT: 5:20 PM

John Isner vs Gael Monfils: Storylines and H2H

The 36-year-old Isner has been unstoppable lately winning his last eight games. WithoutRoger Federer,Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, these two could try and make an attempt to win the prize.

Even though they’ll meet for the first time in two years, these two know each other pretty well. This will be the 13th match between Isner and Monfils, who has the edge with seven victories to the American’s five.

How to watch or live stream John Isner vs Gael Monfils in the US

The game to be played between John Isner and Gael Monfils at the ATPToronto Masters 2021 will be broadcast in the US byATP Tennis TV, Tennis Channel, and ESPN.

John Isner vs Gael Monfils: Predictions and Odds

Bookmakers have already revealed their predictions for this game. FanDuel seems to believe the American will extend his streak as itsees John Isner as heavy favorite with odds of -200, while Gael Monfils has +164.

* Odds via FanDuel.