(VIDEO) "Remember what you told me?": Alexander Bublik shares heartfelt net exchange with Gael Monfils in Monte Carlo farewell
ATPTuesday, 07 April 2026 at 17:35
Alexander Bublik closed a significant chapter in Gael Monfils’ Monte Carlo Masters history, but the result itself was only part of the story. The Kazakh, seeded No. 8, secured a controlled 6-4, 6-4 win over the 39-year-old Frenchman, who is playing the final season of his career and made what is expected to be his last appearance in the Principality.
The match carried weight beyond the second-round context. Monfils, a former world No. 6 and one of the tour’s most recognisable figures, has long had a strong connection with Monte Carlo, both in terms of results and popularity. His exit marked the end of a decade-spanning relationship with the event, now framed within his broader farewell season on tour.
The Frenchman had his first appearance in Monte-Carlo back in 2005, after receiving a wildcard and being eliminated in the first round by Rafael Nadal — who then had a dream run to claim his first Masters 1000 title and the first of 11 titles in Monte-Carlo. Eleven years later they faced each other again — this time in the final — with Nadal taking the victory in three sets.
Monfils now says goodbye to Monte-Carlo with a 16-13 record at the tournament. He had come through the first round in three sets against Tallon Griekspoor, but ended up falling in the second round against Bublik. The Frenchman shared an emotional embrace with Bublik at the net, where the Kazakh reminded him of an anecdote from 10 years ago, when he was still just a hitting partner.
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Full-circle moment: Bublik recalls decade-old advice from Monfils
The interaction at the net immediately stood out. Bublik reminded Monfils of a specific conversation that had taken place at the same venue ten years earlier, when he was still trying to establish himself within the professional circuit.
The match ended with a break from Bublik after an unforced error from Monfils at the net. “Exactly 10 years ago, I was a hitting partner here,” Bublik said as he embraced Monfils. “Remember what you told me?”
Monfils responded by recalling the advice he had given at the time, reinforcing the continuity between that earlier moment and the present result. “I told you grass is not your main, here is your main! Remember that.”
“[It was] exactly 10 years ago today.”
And indeed, the Kazakh for much of his career had his worst results on clay courts — openly acknowledging that it is the surface on which he never liked to compete. However, in 2025 things changed for Bublik, who reached his first Grand Slam quarterfinal at Roland Garros, in addition to winning two clay titles consecutively in the Swiss Open and Kitzbühel.
His clay-court campaigns were vital for his rise into the top 10 at the beginning of this year, marking his first time among the elite at 28 years old.
From hitting partner to top 10: Bublik reflects on Monfils’ early belief
Speaking after the match, Bublik expanded on the interaction, placing Monfils among the few established players who offered encouragement during his early years. His remarks also referenced Grigor Dimitrov, another top-level player he worked with during that period in Monte Carlo.
“As I said to him at the net, this tournament, exactly 10 years ago, I was a hitting partner in 2016. And I was a hitting partner to Gael and Grigor,” the Kazakhstan player said. “That was the two guys, Gael and Grigor, that I was a hitting partner [for] most of the time. Back then, he was one of the few guys who told me I’m going to make it if I work hard, so it’s really emotional.”
“We had a couple of pictures with Grigor already, as it’s been exactly 10 years, so yeah, I’m really happy to be part of this match and to stay at this wonderful court with the wonderful crowd.”
Monfils’ final season has included appearances across key events, with Monte Carlo representing one of the symbolic stops on that schedule. For Bublik, the victory begins his 2026 clay swing, in which he will look to once again prove he is a name to consider in clay-court tournaments.
Bublik now awaits his second-round opponent, who will come from the recent Miami Open runner-up Jiri Lehecka and the clay-court specialist Alejandro Tabilo — one who has already delivered big surprises in Monte-Carlo, eliminating none other than Novak Djokovic a year ago.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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