Monfils the magic man

ATP Tour

For 20 years, Gael Monfils has produced moments of magic on the ATP Tour. A showman by nature, the Frenchman has entertained fans around the world with his high-risk shotmaking and charisma. A player with endless amounts of natural ability, you know you’ll be entertained when you watch Monfils.

However, the 37-year-old is not just a performer when he is on court. Since he was young, the 12-time tour-level titlist has held a fascination with magic. Monfils attended shows as a teenager and today spends his free time perfecting his craft, with a future aim of performing at shows.

“I have liked magic for a long time, but I kept it a little bit secret in a way,” Monfils told ATPTour.com. “Because in the back of my mind after tennis, I want to do something with magic.

“When I was younger with my parents, they brought me to see a magician and I really liked the spirit of the show. Then I was trying myself a little bit. When I was growing up, I was trying to do a couple of tricks. And then I met a really nice magician, who actually helped develop myself to the highest level. And definitely now, towards the end of my career, I'm thinking maybe I will do something with magic. It would be cocky to say that I practise, but I just do tricks for fun.”

Monfils travels on tour with a pack of cards and on weeks that he is not playing, will often attend magic shows. He even persuaded his wife and WTA star Elina Svitolina to watch a show with him when the pair started dating in 2019.

“I go to shows a bit. I have been to so many,” Monfils said. “In 2009 I went to watch Criss Angel. I went to watch David Copperfield in Vegas. I went when I was in England actually with Elina because she knew I was a magician. It was in the first weeks that we were dating, she knew that I was a magician and so she came with me to a magic show. I saw so many guys. But now, when I have time, maybe in the offseason as well, and it's not too far, I will go to shows.”

This week, Monfils is competing at the BNP Paribas Open, where he will meet former Indian Wells champion Cameron Norrie in the third round. When fans watch the match, they may notice Monfils’ card tattoo on his lower forearm.

The World No. 54 has had the tattoo for many years and is amused that fans have not noticed it.

“I like cards. I like illusion. I love cards. But if you watch me from the beginning, no one has paid attention that I liked magic. I have my tattoo, and it has always been there, but no one has noticed,” Monfils said. “That is the trick! No one noticed this. This [tattoo] has always been there.”

_{^{Photo Credit: PATRICK KOVARIK/AFP via Getty Images. Gael Monfils' card tattoo.}}
Monfils will receive loud support when he steps onto court against Norrie, with the Frenchman a fan favourite. When it comes to magic, though, there is no doubt who his main supporter is.

“My daughter loves it. She will be a magician, that's for sure,” Monfils said. “She loves cards. She will probably be a better magician than her dad. She likes the tricks I do.”

THIS IS TENNIS - ATP Tour 2024 campaign is all about reaching out to fans celebrating, championing and showcasing the very best from tennis both on and off court. Check out our hero brand film.