Gael Monfils thanks Juan Martin del Potro in emotional Acapulco moment: ‘He’s a big champion’ | ATP Tour

Acapulco

Monfils thanks Del Potro in emotional Acapulco second: ‘He is an enormous champion’

The 39-year-old earned his first win of 2026 earlier than falling in Acapulco second spherical

February 27, 2026

Gael Monfils has lengthy been a fan favorite and a beloved presence within the locker room. Enjoying his ultimate season on the ATP Tour, Monfils was honoured on Thursday on the Abierto Mexicano Telcel presentado por HSBC, with former World No. 3 Juan Martin del Potro amongst these in attendance.

Monfils, who reached the Acapulco ultimate in 2009 when the match was held on clay, was honoured a day after his second-round match, a 3-6, 3-6 defeat to Valentin Vacherot. Throughout the ceremony, the 39-year-old shared a message of gratitude, acknowledging Del Potro, who was courtside.

“We had huge battles. He’s an enormous champion,” Monfils mentioned of Del Potro. “For me, it means quite a bit that you just’re right here, that you just ship messages. Thanks a lot Juan Martin and thanks to the others as properly.”

A legend celebrates a legend 😢@delpotrojuan in the home to fete the nice @Gael_Monfils in Acapulco. #AMT2026 pic.twitter.com/GEFnvUAaiT

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 27, 2026

Del Potro and Monfils confronted one another twice, with the Argentine profitable each Lexus ATP Head2Head encounters — every in Rotterdam (2013, 2014).

Monfils earned his first win of 2026 by defeating Damir Dzumhur within the Acapulco first spherical. A 13-time tour-level titlist, the previous No. 6 participant within the PIF ATP Rankings boasts a 584-353 profession report, in accordance with the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index.