Gael Monfils' remarkable run at the Australian Open 2025 came to an emotional conclusion on Monday night when he was forced to retire from his fourth-round match against American Ben Shelton. The 38-year-old French veteran, known for his exhilarating style and resilience on the court, retired just one game after the start of the fourth set, leaving the stunning score at 7-6 (7-3), 6-7 (3-7), 7-6 (7-2), and 1-0 to Shelton.
The match had been highly competitive, captivating the crowd with three tightly contested sets. Monfils, who entered the match riding high with eight consecutive victories, was visibly struggling with physical issues. After taking medical time-out, Monfils returned to the court but was unable to continue, soon trailing 40-0 before making the difficult decision to call it quits.
The Australian Open crowd, who had been cheering for Monfils throughout the match, rose to their feet to give him a heartfelt standing ovation as he left the court. This gesture spoke volumes about the affection and admiration fans have for this charismatic player, who has made significant contributions to tennis over the years.
Following the match, Shelton expressed his deep respect for Monfils, stating, "I've been watching him since I was a kid. He has the greatest highlight of all time and you all got to see tonight. I hope to be able to create some memories like at his age because it's really special." Shelton acknowledged the immense challenge of playing against Monfils, who has built a reputation for physically demanding matches.
Even before the match began, Monfils was aware of the tough task he faced against Shelton, the 21st seed, who had previously reached the quarterfinals during the Australian Open debut two years ago. Their encounter was poised to be not just a test of skill but also endurance. Monfils had made it clear he wanted to push Shelton to his limits, aiming for another exhilarating performance.
According to John Millman, who provided commentary during the match, Shelton’s display of sportsmanship after Monfils' retirement was commendable: "How classy from Ben Shelton at the end there to assure the crowd acknowledges the mammoth effort of Gael Monfils." This observation underscored the mutual respect shared by both players.
Despite having to retire from the match, Monfils conveyed his gratitude and reflected on the long tour he navigated, saying, "It's been a very long tour for me, playing many matches, spending many hours... today was one where I think I was already very close to the limit, and I think I passed it, unfortunately." His insightful words revealed the physical toll competitive sports can impose on even the most experienced athletes.
The Australian Open has consistently served as Monfils' stage for showcasing his thrilling playing style, and this year's performance was no different, featuring seven tiebreaks and many tense moments throughout his matches. It was evident he had captured the hearts of fans not just with his tactics, but also with his engaging character and infectious enthusiasm.
Although Shelton celebrated the victory, he wanted the crowd to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of Monfils. Shelton emphasized the legacy of Monfils as he stated, "At 38 [years], I hope to be still walking without crutches. To push me like he did today and to entertain everyone... is so impressive and something special." Such comments highlight how Monfils has influenced the younger generation of players with his dedication and passion for the sport.
Monfils' retirement marks the end of his run at this year's tournament but not the end of his era or impact on tennis. His performance throughout the event and the warm farewell from the audience signifies the deep admiration he has garnered over his illustrious career.
Next up for Shelton will be a quarterfinal match against Lorenzo Sonego, who reached his maiden Grand Slam quarterfinal after besting Learner Tien. Regardless of what lies ahead for Shelton, he will undoubtedly carry with him fond memories of sharing the court with one of his idols. Meanwhile, Monfils' footballing spirit and dedication to the game leave behind valuable lessons for tennis enthusiasts and budding athletes alike.
While the Australian Open can be cruel— as it was with Monfils’ retirement— it also serves as the stage to highlight the remarkable careers and bonds formed within the sporting community. The legacy of Gael Monfils at this tournament will be remembered long after this year’s event concludes.