Gael Monfils may have been thrilled to secure a first-round victory at the 2024 Cincinnati Open, but his excitement quickly turned to a daunting reality when he learned his next opponent would be none other than Carlos Alcaraz, a player he already considers a “legend.”
Monfils’ description of the 21-year-old Spaniard as a legend may seem premature to some, but when you look at Alcaraz’s accomplishments, it’s clear why the Frenchman holds him in such high regard. Alcaraz has already won four Grand Slam titles, a feat that surpasses the career total of Andy Murray, a player long considered one of tennis’ “Big Four.” Additionally, Alcaraz became the youngest male player to reach the world number one ranking, further cementing his place among the sport’s elite.
These accomplishments are far from ordinary. They are the marks of a player destined for greatness, and Monfils, who has faced the best in the game, knows a legend when he sees one. Having played Alcaraz twice before, Monfils is well-acquainted with the Spaniard’s on-court prowess. Their first meeting at the 2022 Indian Wells Open ended in a decisive 7-5, 6-1 victory for Alcaraz. The second meeting earlier this year in Miami was equally one-sided, with Alcaraz winning the match 6-2, 6-4.
Those matches gave Monfils a firsthand understanding of Alcaraz’s completeness as a player. Comparing him to players such as Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, Monfils didn’t mince words in his assessment. “He’s a complete athlete,” Monfils said, highlighting Alcaraz’s speed, endurance, power and tennis skills. “He’s just a little bit younger, but he’s already a legend.”
For Monfils, who has spent nearly two decades competing at the highest level, such praise is not given lightly. His words reflect not only respect, but recognition of Alcaraz’s potential to define this era of tennis, just as Djokovic, Nadal and Federer have done before him.
As Monfils prepares for their upcoming clash, he acknowledges the challenge ahead but remains enthusiastic. “It’s always great to play against such a big star like Carlos,” he said, adding that the match will be a memorable experience, even if the odds are stacked against him.
This showdown promises to be a thrilling encounter between a veteran who has seen it all and a young star destined for greatness. Whether Monfils can defy the odds remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Carlos Alcaraz’s legend is only just beginning and even his peers are already taking notice.
Photo by Gael Monfils Instagram
