Gaël Monfils recently responded to a wave of vile and racist messages from gamblers following his first-round loss at the 2025 BOSS Open in Stuttgart. Before beginning his grass court season at this ATP 250 event, Monfils competed at the 2025 French Open, where he was eliminated in the second round by Jack Draper.
Gaël Monfils Calls Out Gamblers for Making Horrible Comments After His 1R Loss at BOSS Open
In Stuttgart, Monfils faced off against seventh-seeded Alex Michelsen in their maiden meeting on the ATP Tour. The 20-year-old triumphed over the former World No. 6 with a score of 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.
In the aftermath of his defeat, Monfils took to social media to expose the hateful comments he received from gamblers who had placed bets on him potentially winning his match against the young American.
The Frenchman shared a couple of videos in which he condemned the gamblers for their remarks, stating that it was “dumb” to bet against Michelsen, who is both younger and higher-ranked than him.
“Hey guys, it’s not financial advice, but really, you’re still betting on me? First tournament on grass, I play Alex Michelsen, 20 years old, 35 in a word, and you wanna bet on me? You are writing that I’m sh*t. I know I’m sh*t. We both know I’m sh*t and you still bet on me? Who is the dumbest between you and me, to be honest? No, come on,” Monfils said.
Furthermore, Monfils addressed the racist comments directed at him, urging individuals to abandon such prejudiced attitudes in a world that has made significant strides toward equality.
“By the way, you know my legs have already cracked many times. I play with a broken leg already. So don’t pray for that but the thing is, I’m not suffering. Sorry. Again I’m going to mention it, we are in 2025 and you give me the skin color. What does my skin color have to do with the tennis performance?” he continued.
“I know I look pretty. I mean, I say that because my mom and my wife tell me I look pretty. Maybe I look really awful for you. Open some books, do something. This time, you know with skin color, you know it’s finish, vanish it from your mind. Of course, if you want to look a little bit like me, yes play a little bit in the sun. Please use some sunscreen you know for protection. I mean I have to help you with that and open some books,” Monfils added.
The former World No. 6 also expressed his frustration, stating that while gamblers are free to voice their grievances against him, they should refrain from involving his family, including his mother and wife, Elina Svitolina, in their derogatory messages.
“Please also guys, things on family, come on leave the family alone. It’s just me you know, it’s just me you know. My mom or my wife, no one has to come on that. It’s just me. If you want to put your rage on someone, just me, don’t pray for someone else. It’s better. I mean although if you add people, karma will be really bad. Trust me. Allez bisous et paix à votre âme (Go kisses and peace to your soul), like we say in French,” he added.
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Following his victory over Monfils in the first round of the 2025 BOSS Open in Stuttgart, Michelsen is set to face wild card Justin Engel in the second round. The winner of that match will advance to compete against either fourth seed Félix Auger-Aliassime or Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the quarterfinals.