Two Ageless Stars Near 40, Defying the Odds

The Remarkable Longevity of Monfils and Wawrinka

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Celebrating the Ageless Greats: Gael Monfils and Stan Wawrinka

In a sport where youth often dominates, Gael Monfils and Stan Wawrinka stand as living monuments to longevity on the ATP Tour. At 38 and 39, respectively, these two players have defied the typical arc of a tennis career. With thrilling styles and steadfast resilience, they continue to captivate fans worldwide. This retrospective celebrates their enduring presence in tennis, highlighting their careers and examining what has kept them competing at a high level.

Gael Monfils: The Acrobat and Entertainer

Monfils turned pro in 2004 and quickly became one of tennis's most dynamic personalities. Known for his athleticism, trick shots, and defensive skills, Monfils has entertained fans for over 20 years, collecting 12 titles and reaching a career-high ATP ranking of No. 6 in 2016. His playing style, characterized by powerful groundstrokes and daring dives, has translated into an impressive career record: a 62.44% all-time winning percentage and 567 wins over 341 losses.

In 2024, Monfils has maintained his place in the top 50, ranked ATP No. 46 and ATR No. 44. His most recent performances reflect his fighting spirit-defeating Ugo Humbert, Sebastian Baez, and Diego Schwartzman, all tough competitors. While he lost to top-tier players like Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev, Monfils's match against Alcaraz in Cincinnati, where he triumphed 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4, exemplifies his never-give-up attitude.

Monfils's longevity is rooted in his ability to adapt his game. Early in his career, his physical prowess allowed him to chase down every ball, often playing marathon matches. As he aged, he became more selective in his shot-making and more strategic, preserving energy. His most recent victory at Stockholm in 2023, where he defeated Pavel Kotov 4-6, 7-6(6), 6-3, proves that Monfils still has the tenacity and skill to clinch titles.

Stan Wawrinka: The Power and Precision of a Champion

Stan Wawrinka, known for his powerful one-handed backhand and his unbreakable spirit, has been a mainstay on the tour since turning pro in 2003. With three Grand Slam titles to his name-Australian Open (2014), Roland Garros (2015), and US Open (2016)-Wawrinka has proven his ability to win at the highest level. His ATP career high was No. 3, achieved in 2014, and he currently holds an ATR ranking of 81, a remarkable feat given his recent struggles with injuries.

In 2024, Wawrinka has shown flashes of his former glory, defeating players like Alex Mannarino and Alexander Rublev. Although he has faced challenges against younger players such as Ben Shelton and Lorenzo Djere, his results in Stockholm, where he reached the semifinals, highlight his potential to disrupt even top competitors.

Wawrinka's longevity is due in part to his meticulous preparation and mental fortitude. His relentless pursuit of excellence led him to a 62.96% all-time winning percentage on clay and 61.79% on hard courts. Notably, Wawrinka's 4-6, 7-6(7), 6-4 victory over Novak Djokovic in the 2016 US Open final is a testament to his ability to execute under pressure and his reputation as a "big-match player."

Head-to-Head Rivalry: Monfils vs. Wawrinka

Monfils and Wawrinka have faced each other seven times, with Monfils leading the rivalry 4-3. Their encounters are marked by the contrast in their playing styles: Monfils's athleticism and defensive flair against Wawrinka's power and precision. Their most recent meeting at Wimbledon 2024 saw Monfils triumph in straight sets, 6-7, 4-6, 6-7, illustrating how Monfils's versatility continues to test Wawrinka.

In 2017, Wawrinka defeated Monfils at Roland Garros, showcasing his dominance on clay with a score of 7-5, 7-6(7), 6-2. Their battles have not only thrilled fans but have also highlighted their adaptability across surfaces and their shared ability to rise to big occasions.

The Legacy of Longevity

Monfils and Wawrinka have outlasted generations of tennis players, withstanding the physical and mental toll of the sport. Their respective records on different surfaces emphasize their adaptability: Monfils has a 64.9% win rate on hard courts, while Wawrinka boasts a 63.69% win rate on clay. Both have shown resilience through injuries and setbacks, using their experience to remain competitive even in their late 30s.

Monfils's 908 matches and Wawrinka's 948 matches over two decades speak to their dedication. Their titles on multiple surfaces, including Wawrinka's 2014 Australian Open victory over Rafael Nadal and Monfils's recent triumph in Stockholm, demonstrate the versatility that has kept them relevant in a constantly evolving sport.

What Keeps Them Going?

For Monfils, it's his love for entertaining fans. His passion for the game is apparent in every leap and every dive. For Wawrinka, the drive to compete and win at the highest level remains his biggest motivation. Both players have redefined what it means to play professional tennis beyond 35, using their strengths to adapt and compete against younger players who grew up watching them.

Conclusion: A Legacy Worth Celebrating

As they continue to inspire a new generation, Gael Monfils and Stan Wawrinka are not only respected players but also icons of longevity. Their stories serve as a testament to the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and a love for the game. The ATP Tour, and indeed tennis fans worldwide, are fortunate to witness their journeys.