Though the rivalry on the court has faded, the love and respect between Gael Monfils and Ben Shelton are undeniable. After Monfils’ retirement from their fourth-round clash at the Australian Open, the tennis world witnessed a beautiful display of sportsmanship and mutual admiration. The match, a grueling battle that lasted nearly three hours, saw Monfils succumb to a back injury, forcing him to retire while trailing 7-6(3), 6-7(3), 7-6(2), 1-0. Shelton advanced to the quarterfinals, but it was clear that his heart went out to the Frenchman, who had fought valiantly despite his struggles.

Monfils, known for his electrifying net game and impressive 89% success rate when approaching the forecourt, pushed through the pain, showing his unwavering determination. But in the end, it was his health that took precedence. As they shook hands at the net, both players exchanged smiles, showing deep respect for one another. The moment became even more poignant when Bryan Shelton, Ben’s father, embraced Monfils as he left the court—a gesture filled with warmth and love.

The ATP Tour shared the emotional moment on Instagram, captioning it: “Nothing but respect between these two 🤝 Recover soon Gael, what a run you’ve had ♥.” The photos captured Ben and Bryan’s embrace of Monfils, a poignant symbol of the camaraderie shared between these athletes. Shelton’s sister, Emma, also expressed her support, posting the image to her IG story with a heartfelt “🫶🏼” emoji, sending love to the injured Frenchman.

Speaking of family, Gael Monfils is also a devoted family man. He cherishes time with his wife, WTA star Elina Svitolina, and their two-year-old daughter, Skai. After breaking his winless streak of 447 days by clinching the ASB Classic title earlier this month, he revealed his intentions for the Australian Open. You might expect him to aim for his first Grand Slam title, but at 38 years old, Monfils gave a heartwarming response that resonated with players like Ben Shelton and Paula Badosa, and more!

Gael Monfils’ preference for family earns nods of agreement

The Frenchman delivered a stunning performance on January 18, defeating World No. 4 Taylor Fritz in four sets (3-6, 7-5, 7-6(1), 6-4) to advance to the fourth round of the Australian Open. The 38-year-old Frenchman, the oldest competitor in the tournament, played with sheer determination and joy. However, it was his heartfelt post-match interview that stole the show.

When asked about his aspirations for the tournament, Monfils gave a candid response: “Win? No. To be honest with you, it’s not even a dream to win the tournament.” Revealing his real dream is to live a happy and healthy life with his family. A sentiment that resonated deeply with fans and players alike.

“My dream is to be old and with a lot of kids and healthy. That’s your dream I guess, for me to win a Slam. I’ll tell you my dream, my dream is to have an unbelievable family. Tennis is cool, you know. Of course, you want to have a goal and dream, whatever, but my dream is out there,” he added.

His statement drew widespread admiration on social media. Ben Shelton was among the first to like the video of his interview on Instagram. Alongside Chris Evert’s son, Alex Mill, who shared it on his story and the WTA star Paula Badosa expressed her agreement with a heartfelt message: “🥹🫶 He really understood LIFE.”

This isn’t the first time Monfils has shared such sentiments. Earlier this month, after winning the ASB Classic by defeating Zizou Bergs in straight sets (6-3, 6-4), Monfils dedicated the victory to his daughter Skai. Writing her name on the camera lens post-match, he said, “It’s my second final as a dad and I’m really happy, super happy let’s say that I could win a tough final.”

While his run at the Australian Open is over, fans can find solace in the fact that he gets more family time to help him recharge. Meanwhile, Shelton will be taking on Lorenzo Sonego in the quarterfinals on Wednesday. Who do you think will advance to the final four? Share your thoughts in the comments below!