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Roland-Garros Makes Historic Announcement on Tuesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated May 28, 2025 1:01 AM ET

Days after honoring Rafael Nadal's legacy, Roland-Garros continues to heat up and provide more awesome storylines as the 2025 tournament progresses.

On Tuesday, French history was made after World No. 42 Gael Monfils tied an Open Era record with his win at the Court Philippe-Chatrier — where Nadal's silver plaque bearing his footprint was placed.

Monfils beat Hugo Dellien in a thrilling five-set match that saw the French star come back after being down two sets to zero. He secured the victory 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(4), 6-1.

As a result, Monfils grabbed his 40th win at the French Open, which puts him in a tie with tennis Hall of Famer Yannick Noah for the most match victories by a Frenchman in the Grand Slam competition.

"Gael Monfils making history," Roland-Garros' Instagram account wrote in the caption, along with an image showing Monfils' achievement.

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The 38-year-old Gael Monfils has been a pro since 2004, although he has yet to win a Grand Slam tournament. At the French Open, his best result was reaching the semifinals in 2008.

However, he has won 13 ATP Tour titles so far in his career and has been ranked within the top 10 of the year-end ATP rankings twice.

As Monfils moves to the second round of the French Open, it will definitely be interesting to see if he can win another match and surpass Yannick Noah for the French record.

Monfils will face Britain's Jack Draper next, but it won't be an easy one since Draper is currently ranked No. 5 in men's tennis.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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