Gael Monfils Falls to Marozsan in Auckland Opener, Eyes Farewell Season

Defending champion Gael Monfils lost his opening match at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, on January 9, 2024. This defeat comes just three days after his wife, Elina Svitolina, celebrated her 19th title on the WTA Tour on the same court. Monfils, who is 39 years old, faced 26-year-old Hungarian Fabian Marozsan and was defeated with a score of 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, marking a challenging start to what may be his farewell season.

The match showcased a mix of promise and struggle for Monfils, who managed to take the first set. He displayed a strong start by breaking Marozsan’s serve in the 11th game. Monfils delivered an impressive ten aces during the match, indicating his skillful serve. However, his momentum faltered in the second set when Marozsan capitalized on Monfils’ early service game loss, ultimately winning the set 6-3.

As the third set unfolded, Monfils fought hard to regain control. Despite dropping his serve again in the fifth game, he broke back immediately, demonstrating his competitive spirit. The match intensified as Monfils tested Marozsan with powerful shots. Yet, Marozsan found the crucial break at 5-4, ultimately sealing the match after exactly two hours of play.

In reflecting on the match, Marozsan expressed his admiration for Monfils, stating, “It’s always special to play against Gael. He’s a legend and a great player.” This sentiment highlights the respect Monfils commands in the tennis community, even as he approaches the twilight of his career.

Monfils captured the Auckland title in 2025 and has been a significant figure in tennis alongside Svitolina, as the couple is among the few married pairs to have held both ATP and WTA singles titles at the same time. Before Svitolina’s recent victory, Monfils jokingly told her, “If you don’t win this year, I don’t know what to tell you anymore.”

With this loss, Monfils begins his journey through the season, which may be his last, as he continues to compete at a high level while balancing his role as a supportive partner to Svitolina. The coming weeks will reveal how he adapts to this new phase of his career while aiming to leave a lasting legacy in the sport.