Monfils is preparing for a Roland Garros farewell
Gael Monfils is set to make his final appearance at Roland Garros as he continues his farewell season on the ATP Tour.
The 37-year-old Frenchman announced earlier this year that this would be his last season, and he’s already played in six tournaments for the final time.
Although Monfils never won a Grand Slam title, he came close at the 2008 French Open. He reached the semifinals that year, then lost to Roger Federer in four sets.
Before stepping onto the court for what will be his final campaign, Monfils was given a special send-off ceremony on Court Philippe Chatrier. The event included appearances from Novak Djokovic, Naomi Osaka and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, among others.
Monfils thanks Paris after farewell ceremony at Roland Garros
After the celebration, Monfils took to Instagram to express his gratitude and reflect on the experience:
“I woke up this morning, and I’m speechless. I’m really searching, but no words seem big enough to describe what I experienced last night. All those emotions, that intensity, that beauty—it was indescribable. I woke up thinking, wow, what happened yesterday?
“After all these years, to have been able to experience that, to share that with you on that court, was simply exceptional.
“To you, my French fans, I love you. Deeply, sincerely. You’ve supported me throughout my career, and yesterday you gave me a moment I never dared to dream of. A magical moment that will forever be etched in my heart.
“To my family, to my friends, thank you for being there, by my side. You have always been my strength.
“To my parents, to my mother, to my father, everything I experienced yesterday, everything I’ve experienced over all these years, I owe it all to you. Without you, none of this would have been possible. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
“To the French Tennis Federation and Roland-Garros, thank you for allowing me to experience this unique moment, something I never even dared to imagine. A moment that will forever remain in my heart. Thank you, truly, from the bottom of my heart.
“To the 15 players who came, who embraced the challenge, who were magnificent, thank you. I am so lucky to have you by my side. You made this moment even more beautiful, even more powerful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
“To my three maestros, Matt, Paul, and Martin, you led this show like no one else. You were incredible, you elevated everything from beginning to end. Thank you for giving so much to make this evening so magnificent. I love you.
“And once again, to the French public, I love you. What we experienced together yesterday, I will cherish forever. Thank you. A thousand times thank you.”
Who will Gael Monfils face first at the 2026 French Open
This year, Monfils was given a wildcard entry and will begin his campaign against fellow Frenchman Hugo Gaston in the first round.
If he gets past Gaston, his next match will be against either Botic van de Zandschulp or Francisco Cerundolo.
Monfils finds himself in the second quarter of the draw, alongside names like Felix Auger-Aliassime, Flavio Cobolli and Daniil Medvedev.
He’s also on the same side of the draw as Jannik Sinner, who finished as runner-up last year and is aiming to complete a Career Grand Slam in Paris.
Monfils’ 2025 French Open run ended in the second round, where he lost to Jack Draper.
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