Acapulco, Mexico – Gaël Monfils delivered a vintage performance Tuesday night, defeating Damir Dzumhur 6-4, 7-6 (5) at the ATP 500 event in Acapulco. The win marked Monfils’ first on tour in eight months, a significant milestone as he navigates what he’s indicated will be his final season as a professional tennis player.
The 39-year-old Frenchman, currently ranked No. 170, showcased the flair and athleticism that have defined his career, hitting 30 winners and eight aces to overcome a determined Dzumhur. The match, lasting just over 1 hour and 52 minutes, featured a combined seven service breaks, highlighting the competitive nature of the contest. Monfils built an early lead in the first set, briefly faltering before regaining control, and then battled through a tight second set tiebreak to secure the victory.
The celebration following the match was particularly poignant, with Monfils visibly expressing relief and joy on court. The win ended a frustrating losing streak that stretched back to July 1, 2025, when he defeated compatriot Ugo Humbert at Wimbledon. For context, that Wimbledon victory came after a grueling five-set match (6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-2).
A Historic Moment for French Tennis
Beyond simply ending his losing streak, Monfils’ victory in Acapulco etched his name into the French tennis record books. At 39 years and 176 days old, he became the oldest French player in history to win a main tour match, surpassing Nicolas Mahut’s previous record of 39 years and 11 days, set at the ATP Cup in 2021. He also moved ahead of Richard Gasquet, who held the record at 38 years and 11 months following a match at Roland Garros.
The significance of this achievement wasn’t lost on Monfils himself. After a first-round exit at the Australian Open earlier this year, he stated, “I’m going to attempt to push my body a little more. The period that’s coming will be a little better, with matches in three sets.” His performance against Dzumhur suggests he’s well on his way to fulfilling that ambition.
Monfils’ longevity in a physically demanding sport is remarkable. He has now recorded at least one main-draw match win every year since 2004 – a streak of 23 consecutive seasons. Only Roger Federer (24), Richard Gasquet (24), Rafael Nadal (23), and Novak Djokovic (23) have matched or exceeded that run since 1990.
What’s Next for Monfils in Acapulco?
The Frenchman will now face Monégasque player Valentin Vacherot in the second round on Wednesday night. Vacherot recently enjoyed success, winning a Masters 1000 event, and will present a challenging opponent. The match promises to be a compelling contest between a seasoned veteran enjoying a resurgence and a rising star looking to make his mark.
Monfils’ return to form comes at a crucial time as he embarks on his farewell tour. The win in Acapulco not only provides a boost to his confidence but also offers fans a chance to witness one of the most entertaining players of his generation compete at a high level one last time. He added $16,855 to his prize money with this victory, bringing his total earnings for the 2026 season to $36,115. A win in the next round would add another $31,540 to his total.
The head-to-head record between Monfils and Dzumhur now stands at 4-1 in favor of the Frenchman. This victory demonstrates that, even in the twilight of his career, Monfils remains a formidable competitor capable of producing moments of brilliance.
Fans can follow the tournament’s progress and Monfils’ journey through Acapulco on the official ATP Tour website and through updates from leading sports news outlets.
