Gael Monfils leaves everyone behind on Madrid record, even Rafael Nada

Gael Monfils is off to a winning start at the Madrid Masters. The French veteran faced Borna Gojo in the first round and overcame a slow start en route to a 1-6, 6-2, 6-4 triumph in an hour and 42 minutes. Thus, Monfils notched another age record!

At 38 years and seven months, Gael became the oldest winner of the Madrid Masters match, leaving behind Ivo Karlovic, Stan Wawrinka and Rafael Nadal! Monfils stood miles away from the achievement after the opening set, losing serve three times and trailing after only 20 minutes!

However, the veteran recovered in the second set and broke his rival two times to force a decider. The more experienced player denied three break points in the sixth game of the final set and moved over the top after rattling off the final three games.

Digging deep 💪@Gael_Monfils recovers for a 1-6 6-2 6-4 comeback against Gojo.#MMOpen pic.twitter.com/UqVgDm1dfP

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 23, 2025

Borna took one point more than Gael thanks to the opening set, but not the pivotal ones. The Croat played better behind the first serve and defended five of eight break points. He generated ten break opportunities and seized three in the opener, which was not enough.

Monfils landed 15 direct points and 20 unforced errors. Gojo stood on a 29-37 ratio, attacking more and building the advantage from the baseline and at the net. However, the Frenchman erased the deficit with 30 service winners and outplayed his rival in the pivotal moments. 

The Croat served well in the opening set and took charge on the return. Borna cracked a backhand crosscourt winner in the third game for an early advantage. He landed a deep return two games later, causing the rival’s mistake and providing another return game for 4-1.

Gojo fired an ace in the sixth game, holding from 0-30 and making another push on the return in the next one. Flying over the court, the Croat cracked a forehand crosscourt return…