Paula Badosa drops 4-word reaction to Gael Monfils choosing family over Grand Slams

Gael Monfils has won hearts aplenty after his speech about his dream to have an "unbelievable family" went viral. Spanish tennis star Paula Badosa has now lauded the Frenchman for his take.

Monfils is playing some of his career's best tennis and stunned fourth-seed Taylor Fritz in the third round of the 2025 Australian Open on Saturday. Monfils, 38, fought back from a set down to clinch an incredible 3-6, 7-5, 7-6(1), 6-4 win against the 27-year-old American.

While speaking to the media after his win, Gael Monfils was asked if he thought he could win the tournament, and the Frenchman responded:

"Win? No. To be honest with you, it's not even a dream to win the tournament. My dream is to be old and with a lot of kids and healthy."

The journalist continued that Monfils had just beaten the fourth seed, who had not lost a set. Monfils, who is married to fellow tennis star Elina Svitolina, responded by saying:

"That's your dream I guess, for me to win a Slam. I'll tell you my dream, my dream is to have an unbelievable family. Tennis is cool, you know. Of course, you want to have a goal and dream, whatever, but my dream is out there."

Badosa took to Instagram to applaud Gael Monfils' wholehearted speech as her post read:

"He really understood LIFE"

Screengrab of Paula Badosa's Instagram story. Source: Instagram @paulabadosa

Badosa and Monfils have both entered the second week of the Australian Open. Monfils takes on 21st seed Ben Shelton in the fourth round on Monday, while Badosa faces third seed Coco Gauff in the quarterfinal on Tuesday.

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Gael Monfils makes history at Australian Open

Monfils' win against Fritz saw him achieve a slice of history as he became the third-oldest player to beat a top-five-ranked opponent in a Grand Slam in 52 years. The last player to achieve this feat, twice, was Ken Rosewall back in 1973.

Gael Monfils of France celebrates beating Taylor Fritz at the 2025 Australian Open. Source: Getty

Monfils came into the Australian Open after rewriting the record books. He beat Zizou Bergs to win the ASB Classic in Auckland on January 11, which made him the oldest men's player to win a trophy on the ATP Tour since 1977.

Monfils will hope he can continue to make history at the Australian Open when he takes on Shelton, an opponent he has never faced in his career, in the fourth round.