'What does my skin color have to do with my performance?' Gael Monfils takes aim at gamblers and racist insults

Gael Monfils laughed off negative comments from bettors on his Instagram stories after receiving backlash for his recent loss. The world No. 42 had a tough battle to start his grass-court swing but ultimately fell to American Alex Michelsen 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 at the Stuttgart Open.

In a recent social media story, the 38-year-old responded to insults he received on Instagram. The Frenchman had reached the second round of the French Open after an epic comeback against Hugo Dellien (4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 7-6, 6-1) but then lost to world No. 5 Jack Draper (3-6, 6-4, 3-6, 7-5).

Monfils ignored the hateful comments and responded sarcastically with a video mocking those who bet on him. "Hey guys, this is not financial advice. But really, you still betting on me? First tournament on grass? I play Alex Michelsen. 20-years-old, 75 in the world, and you want to bet on me? You writing that I'm st. I know I'm st. We both know I'm st, and you still bet on me?"** Monfils questioned.

"By the way, you know my legs were cracked many times. I played with a broken leg already, so, don't pray for that. The thing is I'm not suffering, sorry. We are in 2025 and you give me the skin color. What does my skin color have to do with my tennis performance? I know I look pretty. I say that because my mom and my wife tell me I look pretty. Maybe I'm really awful for you," the Frenchman added.

Monfils still has several challenges ahead in a grass-court swing he plans to make the most of. He's entered in the ATP 500 Queen's Club Championships next week and will then travel to Mallorca for his last tournament before Wimbledon.