Paris
Gael Monfils, the popular French tennis player, made a big comeback at the French Open. He defeated Hugo Dellien in a long and exciting five-set match. Monfils lost the first two sets 4-6 and 3-6, but he bounced back to win the next three sets 6-1, 7-6(4), and 6-1. The match lasted three hours and 34 minutes and finished past midnight.
This was the first time Monfils has come back from two sets down at Roland Garros. It was only the third time in his career he has done this. The win was also special because it was Monfils' 40th career win at the French Open. He is now tied with Yannick Noah for the most wins at the event by a French player in the Open era.
Monfils also made another record. He now has 12 five-set match wins at Roland Garros, the most by any player in the Open era. Before this match, he shared that record with Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka.
During the match, Monfils slipped and had a minor fall near the court signs, but he quickly recovered. He said the cheering fans gave him energy. “The moment the national anthem played, I felt the momentum shift,” he said.
Monfils thanked the crowd and called it an honor to play during the night session. He said he will now rest and prepare for his next match.
Monfils will play against the fifth-seeded player Jack Draper in the second round on Thursday. Fans are expecting another great match from him.