Video - "He did it, that madman, he did it," the improbable comeback of Monfils against Baez at Roland-Garros in 2023
In 2023, Gaël Monfils had a catastrophic start to the season. As he approached Roland-Garros, the Frenchman, then 36 years old, had lost seven of his first eight matches of the season (his only victory having been obtained in a Challenger event).
In the first round, he, who had activated his protected ranking, drew Sebastian Baez, a clay court specialist. In a night session on Court Philippe-Chatrier, the match seemed unbalanced despite the unwavering support of the crowd for their favorite.
Yet, while the battle was intense for four sets, an as exceptional as improbable scenario was about to unfold to the great delight of the spectators. The Argentine, who had won the fourth set 6 games to 1, had pulled away to lead 4-0 in the decisive set.
It's all over, one thought then. But, with courage, Monfils, who saved break points at 5-0, then pulled off one of the craziest comebacks in recent years at Porte d'Auteuil.
Having come back to 4-4, Monfils saw Baez break to serve for the match. But, carried by increasingly euphoric spectators, the Frenchman achieved the improbable, namely winning the last three games of the match to secure his second victory of the season at that point (3-6, 6-3, 7-5, 1-6, 7-5 in 3 hours and 47 minutes).
"He did it, that madman, he did it, that furious madman. He hadn't won a match worthy of the name in over six months. Here he is, about to take down Sebastian Baez, world number 40 and who was 30th a few months ago.
He was done and dusted, and he pulls off a completely paranormal match in an epic atmosphere. It's exceptional, we've witnessed an extraordinary moment," Frédéric Verdier then exclaimed in his commentary of the match for Prime Video.
A feat that would however remain his only performance in the tournament. Immediately after, and suffering from a left wrist injury, he was then forced to withdraw before facing Holger Rune in the second round. Returning to form a few weeks later, he would win the Stockholm tournament that same year.
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