Tennis

Gael Monfils, the beloved French tennis star, has regrettably withdrawn from the Rolex Paris Masters, a tournament that holds a special place in his heart. This year's edition marks the final time the event will be held at the iconic Bercy Arena before moving to La Defense Arena in Nanterre next year.Monfils' absence is a significant blow, given his deep connection to the tournament. He has graced the Bercy courts for two decades, making his debut as a qualifier in 2002. Over the years, he has experienced both triumph and heartbreak at the venue, reaching two consecutive finals in 2009 and 2010.In a heartfelt Instagram post, Monfils expressed his gratitude for the memories he has made at Bercy. "Between me and Bercy, it's a special story," he wrote. "I grew up there, dreamed in the stands, made two finals, beat Federer for the first time, and felt an insane energy with the audience."Monfils' withdrawal from the tournament was due to an illness that forced him to pull out of the Vienna Open earlier this month. The opportunity to compete in Paris was reallocated to his compatriot Arthur Rinderknech, who advanced to the second round on Monday.Despite his absence, Monfils' legacy at Bercy will endure. He has been a fan favorite throughout his career, known for his electrifying style of play and infectious enthusiasm. His two finals appearances, along with his memorable victory over Roger Federer in 2009, have cemented his status as a legend of the tournament.As the Rolex Paris Masters draws to a close, Monfils' absence will be felt by both fans and players alike. However, his spirit will undoubtedly remain present in the hearts of those who have witnessed his brilliance at Bercy over the years.

Adrian Mannarino, the 36-year-old French tennis star, has achieved a significant milestone in his career by securing his 300th tour-level victory. This triumph came in the opening round of the ATP 500 event in Beijing, where he overcame Lorenzo Sonego in a hard-fought three-set battle, 1-6, 6-2, 6-3.Mannarino's victory marks a resurgence in his form after a challenging period earlier this year. In 2023, he enjoyed a breakthrough season, winning three ATP titles and breaking into the Top 20 for the first time. However, his 2024 campaign started with a string of disappointing results, causing him to drop out of the Top 40.Despite the setbacks, Mannarino has shown signs of improvement in recent weeks. Last week, he reached the quarterfinals of the ATP 250 event in Chengdu, China, and now he has started his Beijing campaign with a victory.Mannarino's 300th win places him among an elite group of French players in the Open Era. He is only the 12th Frenchman to achieve this milestone, joining the likes of Richard Gasquet, Gael Monfils, and Yannick Noah.In the next round in Beijing, Mannarino could potentially face his fellow Frenchman, Monfils, if Monfils can overcome Daniil Medvedev in his first-round match.Mannarino's resurgence is a testament to his resilience and determination. After a difficult period, he has shown that he still has the ability to compete at the highest level. With his 300th win under his belt, he will be looking to continue his momentum and add to his impressive career tally.

Alizé Cornet, the former world No. 11, recently retired from professional tennis after a remarkable career that included four Olympic appearances. Despite falling short of qualifying for a fifth Olympics, Cornet had the honor of participating in the torch relay for the upcoming Paris 2024 Games in her hometown of Nice.Cornet's retirement announcement in April marked the end of an era for French tennis. With 69 consecutive Grand Slam appearances, she holds the record for the most consecutive Grand Slam appearances and is third overall with 72 appearances. Her unwavering national pride was evident throughout her career, as she represented France in four Olympics and 24 Billie Jean King Cup ties, contributing to the team's victory in 2019.While the French Olympic team has yet to be officially announced, several countries have unveiled their rosters. The United States will be led by reigning US Open champion Coco Gauff, while Italy will field world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in singles and doubles. The highly anticipated doubles pairing of Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal is expected to represent Spain.The 2024 Olympic Games will take place from July 26 to August 11 in Paris, with the tennis event scheduled for July 27 to August 4 on the clay courts of Roland Garros. Cornet's participation in the torch relay serves as a fitting tribute to her legacy and the spirit of the Olympic Games.

Alizé Cornet, the French tennis star, is set to bid farewell to her illustrious career at the upcoming Roland Garros, the tournament where it all began for her. With a record-breaking 69 consecutive Grand Slam appearances, Cornet has established herself as a symbol of consistency and longevity in the sport.As she prepares for her final dance at her home major, Cornet reflects on her remarkable journey. Her debut at Roland Garros in 2005, as a wide-eyed 15-year-old, holds a special place in her heart. The excitement of playing on the hallowed grounds and the thrill of facing her idol, Amélie Mauresmo, in the second round created unforgettable memories.Over the years, Cornet has faced countless challenges and celebrated numerous triumphs. She has notched up six WTA titles, including the 2018 Hobart International, and has consistently challenged the top players in the world. Her 25 career Top 10 victories stand as a testament to her fighting spirit and unwavering determination.In her final tournament, Cornet will face a formidable opponent in seventh seed Zheng Qinwen, who reached the final of the Australian Open earlier this year. Despite the magnitude of the occasion, Cornet remains focused on giving it her all and making her opponent work hard for every point.Surrounded by her family, friends, and the adoring French crowd, Cornet is determined to soak up every moment of her last Roland Garros. She hopes to leave a lasting impression on the tournament that has played such a pivotal role in her life.As she prepares to say goodbye, Cornet acknowledges the emotions that come with such a significant milestone. However, she is also filled with gratitude for the incredible journey she has been on. Her longevity and consistency are a testament to her unwavering dedication and love for the sport.

Gael Monfils, the charismatic Frenchman, has etched his name into the annals of tennis history by becoming the Frenchman with the most career wins at a Grand Slam. His triumph over Thiago Seyboth Wild at Roland Garros on Monday night marked his 122nd victory at a major, surpassing the previous record of 121 held by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.Monfils' journey to this milestone has been marked by both brilliance and resilience. He has reached the semifinals of two Grand Slams, the 2008 Roland Garros and the 2016 US Open, where he faced formidable opponents in Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, respectively. Additionally, he has made it to the quarterfinals of eight other majors, including three at Roland Garros, three at the US Open, and two at the Australian Open.Despite his impressive record at the majors, Wimbledon has remained a challenge for Monfils. His best result at the All England Club is a fourth-round appearance in 2018. However, his determination and unwavering spirit have kept him striving for success on all surfaces.Monfils' achievement is a testament to his longevity and consistency at the highest level. He has played in 62 Grand Slams throughout his career, showcasing his remarkable fitness and dedication to the sport. His ability to adapt to different playing styles and overcome adversity has made him a formidable opponent for any player.As Monfils continues his journey at Roland Garros, he will be aiming to add to his historic tally of Grand Slam wins. His experience, coupled with his unwavering determination, makes him a contender for a deep run in the tournament. The French crowd will undoubtedly be behind him as he seeks to create even more memorable moments on the hallowed courts of Paris.

Gael Monfils, the charismatic Frenchman, has captivated tennis audiences for two decades with his infectious personality and eye-catching brand of tennis. With over 550 match wins, a career-high ranking of No. 6, and two Grand Slam semifinals, Monfils has established himself as one of the sport's most beloved showmen.His infectious energy and unique style of celebration have inspired a generation of players, including Arthur Fils, Frances Tiafoe, and Ugo Humbert. Monfils's ability to connect with fans and his genuine care for others have earned him widespread respect.His wife, Elina Svitolina, highlights his kindness and consideration, while Victoria Azarenka recalls an incident where Monfils diffused a tense situation with a recreational player by picking up balls and subbing in for the ball machine.Despite his playful demeanor, Monfils is a dedicated and hardworking athlete. Svitolina emphasizes his commitment to training and his efforts to stay injury-free. Jack Draper and Naomi Osaka speak to his supportive nature and his willingness to welcome younger players onto the tour.Monfils's resilience was evident in his miraculous victory over Sebastian Baez at the 2022 French Open, where he overcame a double break deficit in the deciding set and fought through cramps to secure a late-night triumph.As he prepares for his 17th appearance at Roland Garros, Monfils reflects on his journey and the friendships he has forged with fellow champions. Stan Wawrinka, a close friend, shares their mutual love for the game and their gratitude for the opportunity to continue playing.Monfils's passion for tennis remains unwavering, and he continues to inspire audiences with his unique brand of entertainment. From his early days as a flashy junior to his current status as a seasoned veteran, Monfils has never stopped giving fans reason to watch.

Gael Monfils has achieved a significant milestone in his illustrious career, securing his 550th tour-level victory at the Miami Open. The Frenchman's triumph over Jordan Thompson in the second round of the Masters 1000 event marked a historic moment for French tennis.Monfils joins Richard Gasquet as the only two Frenchmen in the Open Era to reach this impressive milestone. Gasquet currently boasts 603 career wins, while Monfils' victory places him among an elite group of just 42 men to achieve this feat since 1968.The 35-year-old Monfils displayed his trademark athleticism and shot-making prowess throughout the match. After dropping the first set in a tiebreaker, he rallied back with dominant performances in the second and third sets, securing the victory with a 6-7 (3), 6-1, 6-2 scoreline.Monfils' victory is a testament to his longevity and consistency at the highest level of tennis. He has been a mainstay on the ATP Tour for over two decades, reaching a career-high ranking of No. 6 in 2016.The Frenchman's achievement is particularly notable considering the current era of tennis, which is dominated by the "Big Three" of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer. Monfils' ability to compete with these legends and secure significant victories is a testament to his skill and determination.Monfils' victory at the Miami Open is a reminder of his enduring presence in the sport. As he continues to compete at the highest level, he will undoubtedly add to his impressive tally of career wins and cement his legacy as one of the most successful French tennis players of all time.

Ugo Humbert, the 25-year-old French tennis star, is enjoying a remarkable 2024 season, having already claimed two titles and three Top 10 victories. His success on the court is a testament to his newfound confidence and the unwavering support of his team.Humbert's journey to the top has not been without its challenges. In 2022, he battled COVID-19 twice, which severely impacted his training and performance. However, with the help of his coach, Jeremy Chardy, and physiotherapist, Tessah Andrianjafitrimo, he persevered and emerged stronger than ever."They are two people really important in my life," Humbert said. "They always want the best for me, so I know I can trust them."Humbert's positive attitude and determination have been evident throughout his career. Despite setbacks, he has always maintained a smile and a belief in his abilities."I always smile since I started on the tour," he said. "I think it's because of my mom. She's like that and always tries to say, 'Okay, life is beautiful. You have to enjoy what you do every day.'"Beyond tennis, Humbert is passionate about music, particularly piano and guitar. He finds solace in playing music, which allows him to escape the pressures of the tour."I love music. It's my second passion after tennis," he said. "It's nice to think about something else and not tennis. That's why I play guitar."Humbert's musical talents have also found expression on social media, where he has shared clips of his guitar skills. He enjoys playing a variety of genres, including rock and roll and French songs.As the 2024 season progresses, Humbert has set his sights on qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin. With his current form and the support of his team, he is confident in his ability to achieve his goals."I have big goals for this year," he said. "I will try to do it."