'YOU WRITE THAT I'M SH*T, AND YOU STILL BET ON ME?': MONFILS CALLS OUT ONLINE RACISM

Gaël Monfils competing at the latest edition of Roland-Garros. (Getty/Tim Goode)

Vile online attacks directed at former world No.6 Gaël Monfils have sparked a class reaction from the French star, as he condemned the behaviour.

The 38-year-old appeared in his first grass tournament of the year against American Alex Michelsen, but ultimately fell 4-6, 6-4, 3-6 in one hour and 46 minutes at Germany's Stuttgart Open.

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Although Monfils headed into the match as a slight underdog according to the bookmakers, that didn't stop bettors from selecting him in their picks.

The Frenchman then received a barrage of criticism and abuse via social media, including racial vilification, prompting him to call out his critics with a touch of humour.

"Hey guys, it's not financial advice, but really? You're still betting on me? First tournament on grass?" he said via Instagram story.

"I played Alex Michelsen, 20-years-old, 35 in the world, and you want to bet on ME?

"You write that I'm sh*t, I know I'm sh*t, we both know I'm sh*t, and you still bet on me. Who is the dumbest between you and me?

"By the way, you know my legs already cracked many times. I played with a broken leg already, so don't pray for that, but the thing is, I'm not suffering, sorry.

"Again, I'm going to mention it, we are in 2025, and you give me the skin colour. What does my skin colour have to do with tennis performance?"

Monfils reached the second-round of Roland-Garros, exiting to an in-form Jack Draper in four sets.

He is the latest example of a player sharing abusive behaviour on social media to the public, as Australia's Omar Jasika angrily posted on Instagram about the threats him and his partner have received from bettors last month.

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