Gael Monfils is gone - but he will never be forgotten by New Zealand tennis fans.
History repeated for Monfils on Tuesday night – but not in the way he would have wanted.Monfils was back in Auckland as defending champion, after his memorable triumph in 2025, when he becamethe oldest title winner on the ATP tour since 1977.
Unfortunately he fell at the first hurdle this time, eliminated by Hungarian Fabian Marozsan in a gripping encounter, 75 36 46 across two hours. It was a repeat of the 2024 scenario here, when he lost to Marozsan in three tight sets in the opening round.
It felt like a sad way for the French legend to bow out, in his last appearance at the ASB Classic, though he left to a standing ovation from the crowd at Stanley Street. Though disappointed, Monfils was philosophical, mostly happy with his level in his first tour match since September.
“It was a great match for me after a long period without competing,” said Monfils. “Of course, I wanted to do better but that’s sport and I’m just glad that I could play of 100% of where I am now and deliver a last match. And for me to be able to compete with a top player like Fabian - I’m losing just a break, a break away.”
Gael Monfils during his first-round loss at the ASB Classic in Auckland.
Despite being rusty – and without an ATP win since last year at Wimbledon – Monfils was energised by the large crowd, particularly in the deciding set, as they got behind one of their favourite players, willing him to one last stand.
“[The atmosphere was great,” said Monfils. “But you always want to give more, so it’s never easy because your mind wants, but your body, your abilities, it’s not quite the same even [as] a couple months ago. So it’s a mixed feeling but the love I had, itwas amazing.”
The defeat marks the end of an era, as Monfils become of the most popular players in the history of the Auckland tournament. That was built on his second visit – in 2013 – when he reached the semi-finals – highlighted by an epic quarter final win over former world No 2 Tommy Haas, a contest still spoken about to this day by those who witnessed it.
“I really liked that match,” agreed Monfils, when asked about his favourite appearance here. “It was a good atmosphere. Back then, this is the one I would pick.
Monfils first visited in 2007, where he was eliminated in the first round. Then came 2013 – followed by a long absence, during a period where he signed to play three times before it never materalised, for various reasons. Ahead of the 2024 event, tournament director Nicolas Lamperin, who doubles as his agent, convinced him to return.
He lost the high quality match to Marozsan before returning for the fairytale last year, when he defied the odds with every match. Monfils said he would like to return one day – with his daughter Skai as a visitor.
“Just as a spectator with my family and with no pressure of anything else but just living my real life,” said Monfils.
Looking ahead to the Australian Open next week, Monfils said he feels more “match ready” even if there is more work still to be done.
“I could serve a little bit better on some important points, can go a little bit more for my shots, the first shot after my serve, trust some transition shots,” explained Monfils “I had a few that I didn’t really trust [on Tuesday] and then boom, you know, he hit it great, so good for him.”
The 39-year-old had made a confident start, with some vintage tennis in the first set, before sealing the opening bracket with a forehand winner. He was always behind in the second – after an early break – after Marozsan raised his level.
The third set was the best of the lot, with several momentum swings. Monfils was broken at 2-2 but broke straight back, as the fans chanted “Gael, Gael”. Marozsan was unhappy, smashing his racket and Monfils seemed to have the initiative.
But everything turned in the eighth game, as Marozsan seized a break, after Monfils couldn’t take several opportunities on his serve. Two unforced errors brought up match point, before Marozsan wrapped up the contest.
Michael Burgess has been a Sports Journalist for the New Zealand Herald since 2005, covering the Olympics, Fifa World Cups, and America’s Cup campaigns. He is a co-host of the Big League podcast.
