An entertaining battle for a spot in the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters third round saw Alexander Bublik's magic outshining Gael Monfils to claim victory in The Principality, ending the Frenchman's final run at the event on Tuesday.
Eighth seed Alexander Bublik and former world No. 6 Gael Monfils graced Court Rainier III with their captivating tennis for the delight of the fans watching the world-class encounter in Monte-Carlo on Tuesday.
The world No. 11 secured a 6-4, 6-4 win in 76 intense minutes over the Frenchman, competing for the final time as a professional tennis player at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters.
In his on-court interview, Bublik praised his adversary, commenting: “This match was not about me; it’s all about Gael, who has had an amazing career and been an amazing champion. I was happy to be part of it.”
Adding: “As I said to him at the net, it was exactly 10 years ago that I was a hitting partner for him and Grigor (Dimitrov). Back then, he was one of the few guys who told me I was going to make it. It was really emotional.”
Fine margins separated the players across the first set, but eventually Bublik found an edge over his experienced opponent, stepping up the pressure behind his powerful serve and solid return.
The gifted player from Kazakhstan won 89 percent of the points on his second serve.
Hitting the ball cleanly off both wings, the 28-year-old broke twice on his way to take the opener 6-4 in 30 minutes.
Monfils, making his 13th and final appearance at the first Masters 1000 of the season, contested on the clay surface, fought hard, but his fitness was not at 100 percent on Tuesday.
During a ceremony held by the tournament organizers, he spoke about his performance, outlining, “I was a little bit flat, and I wanted to do better.
"He played well, but I wanted to do better. That’s really it — the desire to do better. But sometimes it catches up with you.
“Sometimes I want to do better, but I think my body doesn’t always allow me to do more.”
Previously, the 39-year-old rallied from a set down to beat Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor 6-7(7), 6-1, 6-4 in a two-hour, 15-minute first-round match, which took a physical toll on the player.
Nonetheless, the resilient French warrior found an extra gear in the second set, pushing the 9-time ATP title holder in lengthy baseline rallies, leaving it all on the court.
Bublik adjusted his game, surging at the net often, generating jaw-dropping shotmaking executed with exceptional accuracy and touch.
However, for much of the set, they went with serves until Hong Kong's reigning champion converted a pivotal break in the 10th game to close out 6-4, advancing to the third round at the Monte-Carlo Country Club.
Meanwhile, the 2016 finalist, bids farewell to the tournament, having enjoyed every step of his journey in The Principality throughout a successful two-decade career, and is recognized by the fans who shared their appreciation on Tuesday.
“Honestly, I take away every match I’ve played here. From the first to the last, every moment I’ve had on this clay, which is beautiful,” he said.
“The chance to have played this tournament 13 times… I’ll take a bit of all that with me.”
Monfils will retire from tour-level competition at the end of the 2026 season.