Alexander Bublik shares what he told Gael Monfils at the net in heartwarming moment | Tennis | Sport
Alexander Bublik shared an emotional embrace with Gael Monfils after bringing the Frenchman’s Monte Carlo Masters career to an end. Former world No. 6 Monfils is set to retire this season and made his final appearance in the Principality, losing to Bublik in the second round.
No. 8 seed Bublik is known for his on-court antics, but he put all of that aside and made sure to give credit to his retiring rival. After clinching a 6-4 6-4 victory, the Kazakh met Monfils at the net and reminded his opponent of their first meeting here a decade ago.
“Exactly 10 years ago, I was a hitting partner here,” Bublik was heard saying as he hugged the 39-year-old. “Remember what you told me?” Monfils did remember and replied: “I told you grass is not your main, here is your main! Remember that.” Bublik grinned and replied: “[It was] exactly 10 years ago today.”
The eighth seed later explained that he was called in to help Monfils and another former top-10 star, Grigor Dimitrov, practice for the tournament. And he still credits Monfils for being one of the few who believed in him.
Speaking straight after the match, the 28-year-old explained: “As I said to him at the net, this tournament, exactly 10 years ago, I was a hitting partner in 2016. And I was a hitting partner to Gael and Grigor [Dimitrov].
“That was the two guys, Gael and Grigor, that I was a hitting partner [for] most of the time. Back then, he was one of the few guys who told me I’m going to make it if I work hard, so it’s really emotional.
“We had a couple of pictures with Grigor already, as it’s been exactly 10 years, so yeah, I’m really happy to be part of this match and to stay at this wonderful court with the wonderful crowd.”
After booking his place in the round of 16, Bublik immediately gestured for the fans to direct their applause towards Monfils. He later added: “It’s never easy to start the clay-court season. I’m really happy that I stayed composed today; I used my chances.
“As I said, this match was not about me. It’s farewell to Gael. An amazing career, and amazing champion, and I’m happy to be part of it.”
Bublik and Monfils later filmed a quick video together as they left the Monte Carlo Country Club. The Frenchman pointed to his opponent and branded Bublik “the winner of the day”. But the world No. 11 replied: “The winner of the career! You had a great career.”
