Alexander Bublik defeated Gael Monfils 6-4, 6-4 in the Round of 32 at the Monte-Carlo Masters on Tuesday, marking the French veteran's final appearance at the tournament. The victory carried a poignant note, as Bublik recalled being Monfils' hitting partner there exactly 10 years ago. Bublik advances to face the winner of Jiri Lehecka versus Alejandro Tabilo.
Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan started his clay-court season strongly, overpowering 39-year-old Gael Monfils on Court Rainier III. Bublik dominated with his serve, capitalizing on Monfils' shaky second serves to secure breaks at key moments. In the first set, he broke to take a lead and closed it 6-4. The second set saw Monfils hold serve confidently amid crowd support, but Bublik broke at 5-4 to win 6-4 and advance to the Round of 16. Bublik shared a warm post-match moment with Monfils, reminding him, “Do you know what? Exactly ten years ago, I was a hitting partner here.” The crowd applauded the veteran as the two exchanged pleasantries, closing a full-circle chapter for both players. This loss ends Monfils' 13th and final Monte Carlo campaign in his 22-year career. He had announced retirement after the 2026 season and entered on a high note, beating Tallon Griekspoor 6-7, 6-1, 6-4 in the first round. However, Monfils holds a 2-5 record this season, with early exits in Auckland, Australian Open, Acapulco, and Indian Wells. The win provides momentum for Bublik after second-round losses at Indian Wells and a first-round exit at Miami.
