Gael Monfils has played his last match at Roland Garros, having lost a five-set epic against Hugo Gaston last night.
It was fitting that the 39-year-old should call time on his career at his home Grand Slam with such a long, entertaining match, even if the final set was rather one-sided.
And, if anything, it proved his ability to still compete, although his physical state obviously prevents him from going the distance.
That is why, in theory, he should perform better at Wimbledon, if he is given the opportunity to play there as well.
Gael Monfils has been discussing his chances of making an appearance whilst chatting with reporters.
Gael Monfils discusses his chances of playing at Wimbledon this year
Speaking at his press conference, already reporters were looking ahead to the next Grand Slam of the season.
Asked if he plans to play at Wimbledon, he admitted: “That’s a great question.”
Gael Monfils has played his final match at Roland Garros… but what will you remember most about this great showman? 🪄
Monfils then expanded: “My agent, he wants me to play many tournaments. Obviously if I am a good student, I think he will ask for a wildcard at Wimbledon, so we will wait and see.
“I know there are a lot of candidates and I feel like a lot of guys maybe deserve it more than me. But hopefully Wimbledon.
“Then we will need to decide if we go to Washington DC or not. I think we have been offered a wildcard, so we will see if we will accept it or not.”
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic sent messages to Monfils after his last-ever appearance at Roland Garros yesterday, with each tournament he plays paying tribute to this legendary showman.
Gael Monfils’ historical record at Wimbledon
If Monfils were to be gifted a wildcard at Wimbledon, there would be little expectation of a deep run.
However, with the tools at his disposal, it’s a surprise that the Frenchman did not succeed more on the All-England Club turf.
His best-ever run came in 2018, when he reached the fourth round, and given he made it to at least the quarter-finals of all three other majors, it’s hard not to see Wimbledon as his worst-performing Grand Slam.
After all, across 14 appearances, he won just 20 matches, maintaining an underwhelming 59% win rate.
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In what is his final year on tour, Monfils has earned the right to play pretty much wherever he wants.
However, if he were to struggle at any of the four majors, Wimbledon would certainly be the one most hesitant to reward him with a wildcard.
