Breaks down in the middle of the pitch after the game: "Thought I was going to die"

Powerful scenes unfolded at the French Open late on Tuesday. Many thought that Gael Monfils had played his last game (due to injuries) but he made a comeback in front of the home crowd.

The 36-year-old won a dramatic encounter with Argentinian Sebastian Baez (3-6, 6-3, 7-5, 1-6, 7-5) and then broke down on the pitch during celebrations.

"It was a crazy night. An incredible experience. I didn't think I was going to win," he says afterwards.

Wilander: "Fantastic"

Swedish tennis icon Mats Wilander, current Eurosport pundit, was impressed by the scenes that can be seen in the player above.

"It was an incredible effort. He delivered fantastically under the pressure," Wilander told Eurosport.

Monfils will now face Danish star Holger Rune in the second round.

Watch the scenes when Monfils wins and breaks down in front of the home crowd in France.