Home/Tennis

via Getty

via Getty

Cincinnati comes to the rescue with top-class tennis and thorough entertainment from the Western and Southern Open. Stars lineup to face each other, assuring fans of enthralling upcoming action. However, as the tournament progressed into the next round, the night belonged to record-setter, Gael Monfils, who became only the second French player to secure his 500th tour-level victory.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Featuring in the second round of the Cincinnati tournament, Gael Monfils was up against Australian youngster, Alex De Minaur. Fans bawled their eyes out as Monfils put on yet another masterclass display, whitewashing his opponent in straight sets. Notably, his victory saw him achieve a milestone, becoming only the 11th active player to record 500 or more tour-level victories. Joining him in his celebrations, was his wife Elina Svitolina, the Ukranian player.

Elina Svitolina with the Assist

In a newly emerged video, Monfils was seen celebrating his remarkable feat in Cincinnati. However, unlike his steady hands on-court, the 34-year-old Frenchmen struggled with balloon shenanigans. Not to worry though, as Elina came to her husband’s rescue, giving him a much-needed helping hand.

Elina positioned the Frenchmen’s ‘500th’ balloon, making sure the cameras capture just the right frame. Surrounded by a few others, her effort was appreciated and approved in giggles and chuckles.The two stars recently tied the knot, following a two-year relationship. The lovebirds made headlines for their worthwhile dedication to the sport, cutting short their honeymoon and returning to the court.

Watch This Story: How Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, and Others Travel

Gael Monfils for the win?

Undoubtedly, it’s been a season to remember for Gael; His recent feat is a testimony to his almost two-decade-long career. However, even as he continues to be a fan favorite, courtesy of his authenticity on-court, the 34-year-old is yet to bag a Grand Slam to his name. Although, with his recent heroics at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and his dominant start at the Western and Southern Open, fans believe he is about to change his fate.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

USA Today via Reuters

Gael made a promising start in the Cincinnati tournament, beating World No. 41 Dusan Lajovic in straight sets. He carried forward his form into the second round of the tournament, putting up yet another straight-set victory that handed him his remarkable feat. As he now gears up to face Andrey Rublev in the round of 16, fans watch in anticipation, hoping for a similar performance from the Frenchmen.

Famous for his antics on the court, can Gael now make headlines at Cincinnati, giving fans a glimmer of hope ahead of the US Open? Or will he be remembered as a one-time wonder, once again failing to bag a Grand Slam title? Only time will tell.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Read more: “Truly From the Heart”: Novak Djokovic Reveals the Best Present He Has Received – EssentiallySports