Acapulco
Monfils thanks Del Potro in emotional Acapulco moment: ‘He is a great champion’
The 39-year-old took his first win of 2026 before falling in the second round of Acapulco
February 27, 2026
Gael Monfils will be honored on Wednesday at the ATP 500 event in Acapulco.
By ATP staff
Gael Monfils has long been a fan favorite and a beloved presence in the locker room. Monfils was playing his final season on the ATP Tour and was honored on Thursday during HSBC’s presentation of Abierto Mexicano Telcel, which included former world number 3 Juan Martin del Potro.
Monfils, who reached the Acapulco final in 2009 when the tournament was held on clay, was honored with a 3-6, 3-6 defeat to Valentin Vacherot a day after his second-round match. During the ceremony, the 39-year-old shared a message of gratitude, recognizing Del Potro, who was standing courtside.
“We’ve had great battles. He’s a great champion,” Monfils said of Del Potro. “For me it means a lot that you are here, that you are sending messages. Thank you very much to Juan Martin and also to the others.”
A legend celebrates a legend 😢@delpotrojuan in the house to celebrate the great ones @Gael_Monfils in Acapulco. #AMT2026 pic.twitter.com/GEFnvUAaiT
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 27, 2026
Del Potro and Monfils have faced off twice, with the Argentinian winning both Lexus ATP Head2Head meetings – each in Rotterdam (2013, 2014).
Monfils earned his first win of 2026 by beating Damir Dzumhur in the first round of Acapulco. The former No. 6 player in the PIF ATP Rankings has 13 tour title wins and boasts a career record of 584-353, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index.
#Gael #Monfils #Juan #Martin #del #Potro #emotional #Acapulco #moment #great #champion #ATP #tour #Tennis