Frenchman Gael Monfils fights back from the brink to prevail 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(4), 6-1 against world No. 90 Hugo Dellien in three hours and 35 minutes under the lights on Court Philippe-Chatrier to record his 40th Roland-Garros win, joining Yannick Noah for most victories at the major among Frenchmen in the Open Era.
In his on-court interview, the man who has reached at least one final in 20 different seasons commented: “Every time I play Roland-Garros it’s magical. I had a run-in with the [courtside signage], I had a little scare, and it took me a while to come back because of the pressure.
“I want to play well for myself but also for you, because it’s an honor and a privilege to play in a night session,” he added.
“Now we are going to try to recover well because it’s going to be another big battle [against Draper].”
Making his 18th main-draw French Open appearance at age 38, Monfils embodied the spirit of the quote famously displayed on Court Philippe-Chatrier, attributed to Napoleon, reading: “Victory belongs to the most tenacious,” in a first round for the Slam history books.
On Tuesday night, he rallied from two sets down for the third time in his career, surging to a marathon five-set triumph. An outstanding effort for a legendary player who will next face fifth seed Jack Draper in a box office second-rounder.
A win by the Frenchman seemed unlikely as he suffered a horrible fall in the early stages of the first game.
After sliding across the clay court, he collided headfirst with the advertising board at the side of the court, hurting his hands and right knee, and visibly in pain.
He took a medical timeout and received treatment before he was back in action, eventually conceding the opening set 4-6.
Delivering high-level tennis, Dellien seized his chances, outplaying the 13-time ATP titlist to lead two sets to love.
The efforts made by Bolivia’s top racket took a physical toll on the 31-year-old as he headed for a pivotal third set.
Hampered by cramps, he dropped level while Monfils pushed an extra gear, flying through to notch the set 6-1 in just 24 minutes.
In a fourth set decided by small margins, both players rose to the occasion, which unfolded into an edgy tiebreak that the home favorite won to even the tie two sets apiece, forcing a decider.
The 2025 Auckland champion hit first, breaking his opponent in the second game and holding to earn a 3-0 lead.
Throughout a lengthy fourth game, they rallied, with Monfils making good use of his experience to take the better of his adversary, extending his advantage to 4-0, energized by the electric French crowd.
Ultimately, he pocketed the set 6-1, wrapping up the night in the City of Lights.
Dellien, for his part, can be proud of his performance, recognized by the crowd with a much-deserved run of applause as he was leaving the court.