French Open 2023: Emotional Gael Monfils roared 0-4, 30-40 in fifth set to defeat Holger Rune

Home favorite Gael Monfils roared back from 0-4, 30-40 in the deciding set to reach the second round of the French Open with a stunning late-night victory over Argentina’s Sebastian Baez.

Monfils, 36, was on the brink of an early exit when he stared down a break point in the fifth game at 0-5, but saved it before an epic comeback to level at 4-4 on Court Philippe. – Chatrier.

But the drama wasn’t over. Monfils was again broken at love in the deciding ninth game, with Baez serving for the match, before the Frenchman broke straight back to win the next two games 3-6 6-3 7-5 1-6 7-. 5 win at 12:18 local time.

– It is definitely in my top two [matches]. It was also an incredible atmosphere. This, of course, is another flavor. I’m older and let’s just say I have even less of a chance to win this match today,” Monfils said.

“It was a great atmosphere tonight, I think for some of the spectators as well. I know I have friends for the first time when they came to Roland-Garros, so I think it was a good experience for them.”

The final game was particularly exceptional, with Monfils barely able to move between points due to cramp as the partisan crowd ramped up the frenzy.

Monfils sealed the victory with a powered-up winner that slipped off the top of the net and was overcome with emotion after the handshake, collapsing on the court and sobbing as fans applauded his efforts.

Monfils, a 2008 Roland-Garros semifinalist, will face sixth seed Holger Rune in the second round.

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