Monfils Beats Griekspoor at Monte Carlo to Surpass Nadal on Legends List
Monfils’ Monte Carlo Win Sets French Record as Farewell Tour Continues
Twenty-one years. That is how long it has been since a 19-year-old Gaël Monfils first stepped onto the Monte Carlo courts to face Rafael Nadal. On April 6, 2026, the 39-year-old walked back in for the last time — and refused to go quietly.
Monfils fought past Tallon Griekspoor 6-7(7), 6-1, 6-4 in a gruelling first-round clash at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters. The win moved him clear of Richard Gasquet as the Frenchman with the most ATP Masters 1000 victories in history — 145 and counting.
It also made him the oldest match winner at Monte Carlo since 41-year-old Istvan Gulyas in 1973.
“My first time here was in 2005 against Rafa, so it’s funny to think that 21 years later I’m coming back again,” Monfils said. He has already confirmed 2026 is his final season on tour.
The emotions almost swallowed him. “I had to find the balance with a lot of emotions, knowing it’s my last year here,” he admitted. “I also haven’t played since Indian Wells, so it wasn’t easy — but in the end, I found my range and I’m pretty pleased with this win.”
In 2016, Monfils reached the Monte Carlo final, losing to Nadal in three sets. He never got that title. But he leaves this court with something else — a record that is now entirely his own.