Reluctant Monfils Unleashes the Magic in Another Five-Set Epic 

France's Gael Monfils plays a backhand return to Bolivia's Hugo Dellien during their men's singles match on day 3 of the French Open tennis tournament on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on May 27, 2025. (AFP)
France's Gael Monfils plays a backhand return to Bolivia's Hugo Dellien during their men's singles match on day 3 of the French Open tennis tournament on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on May 27, 2025. (AFP)
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Reluctant Monfils Unleashes the Magic in Another Five-Set Epic 

France's Gael Monfils plays a backhand return to Bolivia's Hugo Dellien during their men's singles match on day 3 of the French Open tennis tournament on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on May 27, 2025. (AFP)
France's Gael Monfils plays a backhand return to Bolivia's Hugo Dellien during their men's singles match on day 3 of the French Open tennis tournament on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on May 27, 2025. (AFP)

Gael Monfils thrilled the Roland Garros crowd with his 12th five-set victory at the French Open on Tuesday before revealing that he does not enjoy having to dig himself out of deep holes at Grand Slams.

The 4-6 3-6 6-1 7-6(4) 6-1 opening-round victory over Hugo Dellien was the third time the 38-year-old had come from two sets down to win a match at a major, but he bridled when it was suggested he played better when apparently down and out.

"No, not stronger. I don't like such a situation," Monfils told reporters.

"These are not situations that I like. Even less now. I can tell you because I'm not necessarily stronger. I always manage, but that's it."

Tuesday's clash on Court Philippe-Chatrier was a classic of its type, with Monfils looking uncertain to even make it through the opening set after clattering into the courtside wall during the fifth point.

A medical timeout to treat hand, knee and back injuries got him back on court but he still soon found himself two sets down to the Bolivian world number 90 and it was time to unleash the Monfils magic.

"It's difficult to express. It's really magic," Monfils explained.

"It's strange, but there's this point which was incredible for the match, this passing shot. I tried something. I thought I was going to lose the point. I thought this was over. I hit a winner. I had to dare.

"That is magic. You go for it and, boom, you succeed."

Monfils, whose best finish at his home Grand Slam was a run to the semi-finals in 2008, registered his 40th win at Roland Garros with Tuesday's victory to match Yannick Noah's record for a Frenchman.

"I won 40 times here?" said Monfils, who next faces fifth seed Jack Draper.

"It means I've played for a long time, that's probably the reason why."



Luka Modric Signs with AC Milan After 13 Seasons at Real Madrid

 Luka Modric, AC Milan's new signing, arrives at the Madonnina clinic for medical examinations in Milan, Monday, July 14, 2025. (Claudio Furlan/LaPresse via AP)
Luka Modric, AC Milan's new signing, arrives at the Madonnina clinic for medical examinations in Milan, Monday, July 14, 2025. (Claudio Furlan/LaPresse via AP)
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Luka Modric Signs with AC Milan After 13 Seasons at Real Madrid

 Luka Modric, AC Milan's new signing, arrives at the Madonnina clinic for medical examinations in Milan, Monday, July 14, 2025. (Claudio Furlan/LaPresse via AP)
Luka Modric, AC Milan's new signing, arrives at the Madonnina clinic for medical examinations in Milan, Monday, July 14, 2025. (Claudio Furlan/LaPresse via AP)

At age 39, Luka Modric is going to try and help restore seven-time European champion AC Milan to glory after one of the most disappointing Rossoneri seasons in recent memory.

The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner signed a one-year contract with Milan on Monday after saying goodbye to Real Madrid following 13 highly successful seasons in Spain. The deal includes an option for another season.

Modric grew up supporting Milan because his idol and fellow Croat, Zvonimir Boban, played for the club in the 1990s.

Modric announced in May that he was leaving Madrid after helping the Spanish powerhouse to 28 titles: Six European Cups, six Club World Cups, five European Super Cups, four Spanish leagues, two Copas del Rey and five Spanish Super Cups.

Milan finished eighth in Serie A last season and missed out on a spot in Europe.

The Italian club rehired Massimiliano Allegri as coach after the season, replacing the fired Sergio Conceicao.

Allegri won the Italian league for the first time with Milan in 2011, then guided Juventus to five straight titles from 2015-19.

Allegri reportedly called former Madrid and Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti to ask about Modric's form. Then new Milan sporting director Igli Tare traveled to Croatia's training camp last month to seal the deal with Modric.

The deal was made before the Club World Cup but Modric couldn't join his new club until he finished playing for Madrid at the tournament in the United States.

Madrid was beaten 4-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinals in Modric's final match with the club.