“You simply chose kindness”: Victoria Azarenka recalls unforgettable story about retiring Gael Monfils

Wednesday, 04 November 2026 at 02:30

Gael Monfils' retirement has prompted tributes from across tennis, including a heartfelt message from Victoria Azarenka, his friend of more than 20 years. The former world No. 1 looked back on their long friendship, sharing personal stories that capture why the Frenchman became one of the sport's most loved entertainers.

Azarenka first met Monfils when they were both 14 years old, during their junior days at Wimbledon. Since then, she has witnessed his evolution into one of the most distinctive players on the ATP Tour, admired for his athleticism, creativity and ability to connect with fans.

Following Monfils' farewell at the Paris Masters, the Belarusian chose to celebrate more than his tennis achievements. Her tribute focused on the kindness and generosity she had experienced throughout their friendship, qualities she considers just as important as his performances on court.

From a hilarious memory in the Wimbledon cafeteria to an unexpected encounter at a public tennis court in Los Angeles, Azarenka shared stories that offer a personal insight into Monfils' character and explain why his retirement has prompted such affection across the tennis world.

Azarenka remembers Monfils' personality from their junior days

Azarenka's first memory of Monfils dates back to Wimbledon, when they were both 14 and preparing for their junior finals. While other players might have been concentrating on the biggest matches of their young careers, the Frenchman was already thinking about how he would celebrate.

"I remember the first time we met. We were 14 years old, at Wimbledon, in the cafeteria before the junior final. You were there for like an hour and a half, practising your celebrations and dance moves in front of everybody, deciding which one you were going to do if you won."

Victoria Azarenka looking to her team determined

It was an early indication of the personality that would later become so familiar to tennis audiences. Azarenka remembered him as someone who was full of joy, confidence and energy, without that confidence ever becoming arrogance.

She also made clear that her admiration was never limited to his tennis. "I admire your tennis, your passion, your creativity, the way you make people fall in love with the game. But what I admire most is your kindness and your big heart."

That distinction was central to her message. Throughout their friendship, she had seen him take on different roles, from entertainer to DJ and magician, but believed the motivation behind them was always the same.

"I've seen Gaël the tennis player, Gaël the DJ, Gaël the magician, and so many other versions of Gaël. But one thing that never changes is your passion for bringing joy to people."

Monfils, smiling on the court during the Adelaide International

The Los Angeles story that explains Monfils' character

Azarenka also shared a story from a public tennis court in Los Angeles that she believes captures Monfils' personality better than any description could. She revealed that she had actually recorded a retirement video for him several years earlier, but he continued playing, meaning the footage was never used.

One of the memories she had planned to include was an afternoon when the pair were simply having fun on court.

"Years ago, when I lived in LA, you came to visit, and we went to a public tennis court just to mess around, play some silly games, and have fun. At one point, you warned me, “Vika, be careful, it’s slippery back there.” And I confidently replied, “I don’t play that far back.” Naturally, about two minutes later, I slipped and fell. We were dying laughing.

Azarenka then recalled how Monfils chose to handle the situation:

"On the court next to us was an older gentleman practicing alone with a ball machine. He clearly wasn't enjoying our little circus and started yelling at us for being loud. We were confused and a little annoyed. We weren't bothering anyone intentionally. We were just having fun.

"And then you did something I'll never forget. Instead of arguing with him or getting defensive, you walked over and asked if he was okay. You offered to help him pick up his tennis balls. And then you started hitting with him. Just like that."

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A post shared by Victoria Azarenka (@vichka35)

Within minutes, this man who had been so upset with us was smiling, laughing, and enjoying himself. The entire atmosphere changed. And you didn’t do any of it because you wanted to prove a point. You weren’t trying to impress anyone. He didn’t even know who you were. You simply chose kindness.

That moment has stayed with me all these years because, to me, that’s who Gaël Monfils really is. Someone who can change the energy of a room, a tennis court, or a person’s day simply by being himself."

To my friend @Gael_Monfils ❤️ https://t.co/RpGvF9K72G
— victoria azarenka (@vika7) November 3, 2026

'The world loves you so much': Azarenka on Monfils' legacy

Azarenka's tribute also addressed why the Frenchman has received so much affection from tennis fans around the world.

"You made people feel something. You gave so much of yourself, your passion, your attention, your joy, your heart. And I think the world is giving all that love back to you now," she added. "But what makes me happy is knowing that our friendship doesn’t end with your career. It just continues in a different chapter. And knowing you, I’m sure there will be another 15 versions of Gaël to discover.

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That was the central message behind her farewell. Monfils will be remembered as one of tennis' great entertainers, but his influence cannot be measured only through his performances or achievements.

She ended with a message that brought the tribute back to the affection running through every memory she had shared: "The world loves you so much, Gaël. And so do I. There's nobody quite like you. And there never will be."

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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