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
Alfredo Estrella/AFP by way of Getty Pictures
Gael Monfils is honoured Wednesday on the ATP 500 occasion in Acapulco.
By ATP Workers
Gael Monfils has lengthy been a fan favorite and a beloved presence within the locker room. Enjoying his closing season on the ATP Tour, Monfils was honoured on Wednesday 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 closing in 2009 when the event was held on clay, was honoured after his second-round match, a 3-6, 3-6 defeat to Valentin Vacherot. In the course of 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 lots that you simply’re right here, that you simply ship messages. Thanks a lot Juan Martin and thanks to the others as effectively.”
A legend celebrates a legend 😢@delpotrojuan in the home to fete the good @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 response to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index.
