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Gael Monfils could be about to equal Roger Federer’s record if he reaches Mallorca final today

Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
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Gael Monfils has the opportunity to equal a record set by Roger Federer when he attempts to reach the Mallorca Open final.

Despite not playing a grass court tournament since Wimbledon in 2021, the Frenchman has produced some impressive performances to book his spot in the last four on the Spanish island.

At the age of 37 and with a plethora of injury issues, the veteran may not have many more opportunities left to play at Wimbledon and is keen to prepare for the Grand Slam in the best possible way.

The veteran is just one match away from reaching the final and should he get there, he will enter the history books alongside the 20-time Grand Slam champion.

Which Roger Federer record can Gael Monfils match?

Monfils will play Italian Open semi-finalist Alejandro Tabilo for the chance to reach the Mallorca Open final and compete for his first grass court title.

Should the former world number six defeat the Chilean, he would tie Federer for the most consecutive seasons reaching at least one final on the ATP Tour with 20.

Monfils’ 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 win over Roberto Bautista Agut means he has reached his first grass court semi-final for six years and made his second semi-final of the season on any surface.

Commenting on his two hour and 31 minute contest with the Spaniard, Monfils said: “Very tough. Roberto is a big warrior. Even in the second set when he came back, I was up a break at 4-3, then he played really good, really solid.

“And then at the end, you could see the nerves were there. The crowd was behind both of us, so it was a big battle.”

Mallorca Championships 2024
Photo by Manuel Queimadelos/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

What is Gael Monfils’ head to head record with Roger Federer?

Monfils could equal Federer’s long standing record nearly two years after the Swiss Maestro retired from the sport. Throughout their careers the pair played one another 14 times between 2006 and 2019.

The former World number one claimed 10 of those encounters, including their final match which took place at the Madrid Open five years ago.

Federer stormed ahead by taking the first set 6-0, before Monfils levelled proceedings, but it was Federer who prevailed in a final set tiebreak.

One of Monfils’ wins over Federer came in front of his home fans at the Paris Masters, while the second victory came in Shanghai. His third win came in the 2014 Davis Cup final, though Switzerland won the tie, and his final victory took place at the Monte Carlos Masters in 2015.