Gaël Monfils was down 4-0 in his deciding set with Sebastian Baez at Roland Garros. The beloved Frenchman fought off cramps to give those inside Court Philippe Chatrier and himself something to remember for a long time by prevailing, 7-5, in the fifth after Baez served for the first-round match at 5-4. Look back on the finale with this gallery of Gael, the greatest showman of his generation.
At 1-4, a little pep in Gaël’s step ignited a massive swing in his favor.
He connected with every section of the stadium.
Soon, the gap was closed to a single break.
But after leveling for 4-4, Monfils was broken.
La Monf stayed connected with his people when switching sides.
Fought through the pain of an unforgiving body...
... and broke right back for 5-5.
Soon, the 36-year-old moved in front 6-5.
Everyone gasped when Monfils missed his first match point on a sitting forehand.
Yet, he came right back with an aggressive finish at the net.
The magnetic competitor turned to his box, laughing off the cramps that continued to push back.
The magical comeback was then completed: 3-6, 6-3, 7-5, 1-6, 7-5.
Adrenaline. Euphoria. Emotions.
Gaël gave all the love and saw it returned in the most amazing way.