Gael Monfils has bowed out of Roland Garros for the final time after losing his opening match at this year’s event.
Playing his final season in professional tennis before retirement, the French icon was honored ahead of the tournament with a lengthy tribute involving many top players.
But Monfils quickly needed to turn his attention to the tournament itself, having been drawn against compatriot Hugo Gaston in round one.
And unfortunately for many, his ATP rival Gaston played the role of the villain in Paris, winning their thriller 6-2, 6-3, 3-6, 2-6, 6-0.
He now meets Francisco Cerundolo in the second round of Roland Garros, while Monfils has taken to social media to share his thoughts on his final appearance at the Grand Slam.
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Gael Monfils posts emotional message after last Roland Garros match
Sharing images of his time in Paris, Monfils posted on his Instagram in French: “I was ten years old. An oversized racket, glasses, and already the desire to be there.
“Paris Championships, French Championships, juniors, then nineteen times in the main draw. Last night was the last.
“Roland Garros didn’t give me the Musketeers’ Cup. He gave me something else, something no trophy can measure. He taught me how to lose in front of the whole world and still get back up.
“He taught me to be myself, without ever betraying myself. He taught me the value of a roar from the crowd when you’ve lost all hope.
“To the people who made all this possible, I want to say thank you tonight, from the bottom of my heart.
“To my parents, who believed before anyone else, and who let me go when I was just a kid. I owe you absolutely everything.
“To my family, to my lifelong friends, to my coaches, to the Federation. You are the silent thread of everything I’ve experienced.
“To Elina, my wife. You loved the man before the player. You lifted me up without ever saying so, supported me without ever overdoing it. You gave me Skaï, the most beautiful gift in the world. I love you.
“To all those we don’t see but without whom nothing would shine. And to you, the public, who have chanted my name for twenty years with a loyalty that still moves me deeply.
“Roland-Garros, you are not just a tournament for me. You are a part of myself that I leave here, knowing that you will take care of it. Until next time.”
Alex de Minaur and Stan Wawrinka react to Gael Monfils’ Roland Garros farewell
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the emotional message from the legendary figure has captured the attention of the tennis world.
Alex de Minaur commented under the post: “Thank you Gael,” Stan Wawrinka posted two love heart emojis, and Jakub Mensik said: “La Monf!”
WTA aces Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff have liked the post, which has also attracted interest from figures from other industries.
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The Frenchman will clearly be sorely missed at Roland Garros, and indeed across tennis when he finally hangs up his racket at the end of the 2026 season.
His iconic smile lit up the Parisian court one last time, with his wife and WTA star Elina Svitolina failing to hold back the tears as she watched on from the stands.
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