Challenges Faced by Gaël Monfils: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Gaël Monfils. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Gaël Monfils is a French professional tennis player known for his athletic and acrobatic style. He achieved a career-high ranking of world No. 6 in 2016 and has won 13 ATP Tour singles titles. Monfils has reached 35 finals throughout his career. His best Grand Slam performances are semifinal appearances at the 2008 French Open and the 2016 US Open.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2008: Forced to withdraw from Australian Open

In 2008, Monfils was forced to withdraw from the Australian Open due to a hamstring injury.

2009: Qatar Open, Australian Open, and Abierto Mexicano Telcel

In 2009, Monfils played in the Qatar Open, causing an upset against Rafael Nadal, but lost to Andy Roddick. At the Australian Open, he retired against Gilles Simon due to a wrist injury. He also lost in the final of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel to Nicolás Almagro.

2009: Wrist Injury, US Open, and Open de Moselle Win

In 2009, Monfils withdrew from Wimbledon due to a wrist injury. He lost to Rafael Nadal at the US Open but won the Open de Moselle against Philipp Kohlschreiber.

2010: Wimbledon and MercedesCup

In 2010, Monfils returned to Wimbledon for the first time since 2007, losing to Lleyton Hewitt. He reached the final at the MercedesCup but was forced to retire against Albert Montañés.

2010: Indian Wells Masters and Madrid Masters

In 2010, Monfils withdrew from several Masters 1000 events due to injury but reached the quarterfinals at the Madrid Masters, losing to Rafael Nadal.

2011: Withdrawal from San Jose Semifinals due to Wrist Injury

Following the 2011 Australian Open, Monfils played in San Jose. In 2011, he reached the semifinals but withdrew due to a left wrist injury that had been affecting him since January.

2012: Progressed to the Third Round of the Australian Open

At the 2012 Australian Open, Monfils progressed to the third round before losing to Mikhail Kukushkin due to a back injury.

2012: Injury and Comeback in Metz

Due to a knee injury, Gaël Monfils did not play on tour from May to September 2012. He made a comeback in September at Metz, reaching the quarterfinals.

2012: Withdrew from Japan Open

In October 2012, Gaël Monfils withdrew from the Japan Open due to pain in his right knee, ending his season early.

2013: Reached Final in Winston-Salem

In 2013, Monfils reached the final in Winston-Salem, but bowed out to Jürgen Melzer due to an injury.

2013: Lost to Robredo at French Open

In 2013, at the French Open, Monfils faced Tommy Robredo in the third round. Monfils lost the match in five sets after winning the first two.

2014: Reached Quarterfinals at US Open

At the 2014 US Open, Monfils reached the quarterfinals and lost to Roger Federer in five sets, despite leading by two sets to love and holding two match points.

2015: Retired at US Open and Changed Coach

Due to injuries, Gaël Monfils' performance in America in 2015 was poor. He retired in his first-round match of the 2015 US Open. He also ended his collaboration with his coach Jan de Witt, replacing him with Mikael Tillström.

2015: Knocked out at Paris Masters

In 2015, at the Paris Masters, Gaël Monfils was knocked out in the first round by Benoît Paire. Monfils defined 2015 as a "year of regrets".

2016: Viral Infection and Withdrawal from French Open

In 2016, Gaël Monfils caught a viral infection during his stay in Madrid, leading to a loss in the second round and ultimately causing him to withdraw from the French Open.