Gael Monfils has played his final match at Roland Garros.
The Frenchman, who has played at the event on 20 occasions, was defeated by compatriot Hugo Gaston, 2-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 0-6.
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic paid tribute to Monfils following his loss in Paris, joining many in recognising the 39-year-old’s incredible impact on tennis.
Gael Monfils has played his final match at Roland Garros… but what will you remember most about this great showman? 🪄
Frances Tiafoe, who considers Monfils to be a ‘big brother’ on the professional circuit, has also spoken in glowing terms about his peer and good friend.
Frances Tiafoe lauds ‘legend’ Gael Monfils
“I love Gael. I think he is a complete legend,” Tiafoe said during his post-match press conference after beating Eliot Spizzirri on Monday.
“We have been talking a ton in the locker room and this year in the off season, when he made the decision this was going to be his last time.”
“We have been talking about playing doubles somewhere. We have always been really close, he has definitely been a ‘big brother’ to me, we have had some good battles as well!
“I am definitely going to watch his match. I have not watched so much tennis but I am definitely going to watch his match.
“He has been unbelievable for the game and always will be. I think he will be remembered for a long time. We have never seen a guy like him, with his athletic ability and how fun he was to watch.
Gael Monfils’ best performances at Grand Slams
- Australian Open: Quarter-final in 2016 and 2022
- Roland Garros: Semi-final in 2008
- Wimbledon: Fourth round in 2018
- US Open: Semi-final in 2016
“He definitely was known outside the game and took a lot of liking to a lot of people and made a lot of people of colour want to watch the game.
“I wanted to be like him when I was younger for sure. I remember all the highlights. It was pretty emotional stuff.
“I did not think he was going to be the last one to stand out of Gasquet and Tsonga. I thought he was going to be out way earlier than he is! It’s amazing he made it to 40.”
Monfils will be remembered for his shotmaking ability, and for being an exceptional human being.
It is no coincidence that Monfils is one of the most popular players on the Tour: he is the epitome of class and decency.
It will truly be a sad moment when Monfils hangs up his racket at the end of this year.
Gael Monfils’ run to the French Open semi-finals
In 2008, Monfils recorded his best-ever result on the Parisian clay.
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The second Slam of the year…
The Frenchman, who was unseeded in the event, began his Roland Garros campaign by defeating compatriot Arnaud Clement, 7-5, 6-3, 6-1.
Monfils then knocked out lucky loser Luis Horna, before coming through a tough five-set battle against Austrian Jurgen Melzer.
Monfils’ superb run continued against 28th seed Ivan Ljubicic. The French star defeated Ljubicic 7-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, setting up a clash against fifth seed David Ferrer.
Monfils once again defied the odds, beating Ferrer 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-1.
His run was then brought to an end by Roger Federer, who won their semi-final match 6-2, 5-7, 6-3, 7-5.
Federer went on to lose the final to his great rival, Rafael Nadal.
