Gaël Monfils Named Arthur Fery’s Favorite Tennis Idol Over Federer and Nadal

Gaël Monfils was Arthur Fery’s favorite tennis player growing up-over Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. In a 2020 interview, the British wildcard revealed his admiration for Monfils’ flair, calling him and Nick Kyrgios the reason he loved the sport. Now, as Fery reaches Wimbledon’s quarter-finals in 2026, the connection between their playing styles resurfaces.

Why Did Fery Pick Monfils Over Legends?

Fery, then 23, told Harwich and Manning Tree Standard that Monfils and Kyrgios brought excitement to tennis. “I like Kyrgios, I like Monfils, those guys,” he said. “They bring a fresh wave… otherwise the sport is starting to get boring.” His praise focused on their ability to draw crowds-something Monfils, with his explosive serve and unpredictable style, has mastered since his 2008 ATP debut.

How Monfils’ Influence Still Echoes Today

Monfils’ 2008-2016 prime-peaking at World No. 6-was defined by big-serving aggression and court rallies that kept fans glued to screens. Fery’s own 2026 Wimbledon run mirrors this: his five-set win over Grigor Dimitrov (7-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-7, 6-3) showcased the same gritty resilience Monfils built his reputation on. “When Kyrgios is playing, everyone watches,” Fery added. “Monfils does that too.”

Fery’s Wimbledon Quarter-Final Push

The 2026 tournament has already rewritten British tennis history. Fery, a wildcard, became the first British man since Lleyton Hewitt (2002) to reach the last eight. His path included a third-set tiebreak win over Dimitrov, a player ranked No. 15-a result Monfils would recognize from his own career, where he often outdueled higher seeds with sheer determination.

What’s Next for Monfils’ Legacy?

While Monfils hasn’t played since 2022, his impact on younger players like Fery lingers. The Frenchman’s 2008 US Open semifinal (where he lost to Novak Djokovic) and his 2016 Australian Open quarter-final remain touchstones for fans who value raw athleticism over polished technique. Fery’s rise suggests Monfils’ style-unpredictable, high-risk, high-reward-still resonates in an era dominated by baseline grinders.

A Fresh Angle on Tennis History

Fery’s 2020 quote, unearthed during his 2026 breakthrough, ties Monfils to a generation of players redefining tennis. Monfils’ 2008-2016 career-marked by 12 ATP titles and a top-10 ranking-proved that flair could coexist with competitiveness. Fery’s Wimbledon run, now in the quarter-finals, may yet add another chapter to that narrative.