Who Gael Monfils named as the greatest player in tennis history in 2014 and how his opinion changed
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The debate over who is the greatest male tennis player of all time is one that has raged on for decades, with answers changing with each new generation.
However, when the Big Three came along, it felt like the options became limited to just this trio.
After all, they changed the way the sport was played, and forged an era of complete dominance that had never been seen, and likely may never be seen again.
The biggest sufferers of their presence were the many talented stars who were forced to co-exist with them, and saw their opportunities limited.
Gael Monfils was one such example, and is perhaps best placed to weigh in on this GOAT debate.
Back in 2014, his answer seemed clear.
Ahead of facing Roger Federer in the US Open quarter-finals that year, he insisted: "Right now he's the greatest tennis player we ever had, and for me it's always challenging to play against him."
That year, the Swiss superstar was vying for a sixth US Open title and an 19th overall Grand Slam.
In the end, it was Marin Čilić who claimed that title, beating Federer in the semi-finals.
Federer did have some kind words for Monfils too, noting: "He's got easy top-10 potential.
"He's a great mover. He's got a wonderful serve, really, which nobody really talks about because of his athletic movement which stands out so much.
"I think I can speak on behalf of so many players: We love watching him play. It's nice seeing him do well again."
Monfils has officially now retired from tennis , with it being brought about rather abruptly following the announcement of his divorce from Elina Svitolina.
Interestingly, there have been a couple of instances where La Monf has indicated that his opinion might have changed.
The first came in a rather insignificant tweet, sent after Novak Djokovic won their Cincinnati Open showdown back in 2023.
Alongside a picture of his own shirt, signed by the legendary Serbian, he branded his opponent that day as the 'GOAT'.
However, that alone could have meant little.
The fact that Monfils then backed it up as recently as last year solidifies a complete change of opinion, as he spoke to Eurosport about the greatest players of all time.
He claimed: "The GOAT, of course, is Novak Djokovic.
"For me, they are the three GOATs. We can't separate them. Because, in fact, the three have more than anyone else. That is to say, I know that every time people want to put only one. But frankly, the three we talk about: Rafa, Roger and Novak.
"So I know, it's a bit like saying: 'Yeah, but look at Messi-Ronaldo'. No, really, these are the three exceptional ones."