Gael Monfils lashes out at troll taking digs at his career over Frenchman's prediction of being 'crushed' by Carlos Alcaraz in Shanghai Masters 4R

Gael Monfils recently lashed out at a fan who took jabs at his career after he predicted his own loss against Carlos Alcaraz ahead of their upcoming match in the fourth round of the 2024 Shanghai Masters on Wednesday. The Frenchman is competing in the tournament for the seventh time in his career, and this is the first time since 2013 that he has progressed beyond the third round.

Monfils kicked off his 2024 Shanghai Masters campaign by defeating Damir Džumhur in the first round, followed by Sebastián Báez and his compatriot Ugo Humbert in the second and third rounds, before setting up the clash with Carlos Alcaraz.

Ahead of the match, Monfils told the press that Alcaraz was going to "crush" him and admitted that he had only a 1% chance of winning. He added that he was lucky the last time he defeated the Spaniard when they met in the second round of the 2024 Cincinnati Open.

“ I think he's going to beat me. He's going to crush me 100%. Last time I got really lucky, and it wasn't a good match from him, and it was a good match of mine. His level is unbelievable. I did a good job myself too, but he's, like I say, becoming a legend.”

So, I guess he's going to crush me, but like I say, I'll do everything I can to not be crushed too easily, in a way. That's a bonus for me. I have the experience and I can speak honestly, that kid is something! So, honestly, there's a 99% chance for him, but just having 1%, you know, that's what we're going for. I'm going to have fun, but as a sincere man, I'm telling you, no, this kid is from somewhere else." Monfils said

A tennis news outlet quoted Monfils' comments on X (formerly Twitter), which caught the attention of a user who found his remarks humorous. The fan took a jab at the 38-year-old's career, saying they now had a clearer understanding of why his career had unfolded the way it had. In response, Monfils lashed out at the fan, questioning his tennis knowledge.

"LOL, the statement, wow, it makes us understand the career now." the fan said

“I thought you knew tennis?! Actually you're just here to troll! Not cool!” Gael Monfils replied

Gael Monfils admits he enjoys the final stages of his career as he can really share the truth

Gael Monfils at Cincinnati Open 2024 - Source: Getty

Gael Monfils also responded to a fan account on X (formerly Twitter) that insinuated he was playing mind games by shifting the pressure onto Alcaraz through his interview. The fan questioned Monfils for taking the pressure off his own shoulders.

In response, Monfils said he was simply being honest and admitted that he is enjoying the final stages of his career, as it allows him to be more open.

“The truth is sometimes hard to hear or read, right? That's why I like it even more at the end of my career, because we can really share. And yes I will come back to win. (as I said in the full interview, 1% is enough in sport for an exploit) Why do you suddenly say to yourself I am 50/50 tomorrow” Gael Monfils said

Before the Shanghai Masters, Monfils had a season win-loss record of 21-20. His best performances this season came at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open and the Mallorca Championships, where he reached the semifinals.