Monfils defies the passage of time with a historic victory in Montreal

Diego Jiménez Rubio - 4 Aug 2026 | 07:56
Gael Monfils ATP ATP Montreal 2026 Kamil Majchrzak

The Frenchman has become the oldest player to win a match in the Canadian tournament since 1970, after defeating the Pole Majchrzak.

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Gael Monfils makes history in Montreal. Photo: gettyimages

Gael Monfils debuted with a victory at the ATP Masters 1000 Montreal 2026, defeating the Polish player Kamil Majchrzak with 6-4 and 6-4 in a performance full of magical moments that perfectly encapsulate the unique identity of this player. With the crowd rallying behind him, the Frenchman rediscovered a great version of himself and achieved one of those victories that makes it worthwhile to continue competing at almost 40 years old, which he will turn on September 1.

The triumph represents a significant boost for Gael Monfils, who hadn't won an ATP match since the Masters 1000 in Monte Carlo in April and continues to enjoy a farewell tour where he resists becoming just an honored player. True to his style, he once again thrilled the Canadian audience with several spectacular points and a performance that occasionally reminded them of his best version.

Monfils and longevity within reach of very few in history

The victory gains even more value when placed in context. Monfils became the oldest player to win a match at the Canadian Masters 1000 in over half a century, confirming that he remains competitive despite being at the twilight of his career.

 

Additionally, he competed in his 15th and final participation in this tournament, a figure surpassed only by John McEnroe and Mikhail Youzhny, both with 16 appearances. The Frenchman also achieved 25 victories in the event, entering a very select group of players capable of achieving such a record during the Open Era.

Even more striking is another fact: Monfils now has 146 wins in Masters 1000 tournaments, the highest number of victories achieved by a player who has never won a title in this category.

And the impression that the Frenchman has left on the collective imagination of tennis goes far beyond titles, being one of the most special and charismatic players of all time, with an innate ability to entertain and captivate many people with this sport. 

Gael Monfils revealed his emotions after the victory

Many had already counted him out after his poor results in recent months, but this victory serves as a warning that he still has plenty of energy and enough motivation to become a difficult opponent for many.

"Of course I felt nervous", he acknowledged after the match. "He played a couple of very good points and deserves credit. I've had many matches like this throughout my career. I just tried to forget everything and compete, focusing only on the next point."

 

Monfils also highlighted a key moment that ultimately tilted the match in his favor. "I made a spectacular passing shot down the line and then I felt the momentum completely shift. At that moment, I knew I had to take advantage of it," he explained.

The Frenchman relied heavily on a very solid serve, winning 84% of points on his first serve, a figure that allowed him to control the match almost from start to finish, something necessary for a man who must find ways to minimize physical fatigue in matches of this kind.

In the second round, he faces the American Learner Tien, one of the most promising young players on the circuit. It will be a new test for a Gael Monfils who remains determined to enjoy each tournament and prove in this ATP Masters 1000 Montreal 2026 that he still has enough game to compete with anyone.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Monfils desafía el paso del tiempo con una victoria histórica en Montreal