Paris — The main stadium at Roland Garros stayed packed late Monday as fans saluted Gael Monfils after his first-round loss, a match that marked the Frenchman’s final appearance at his home Grand Slam.
Monfils, 39, was beaten by compatriot Hugo Gaston on Court Philippe‑Chatrier near midnight. Instead of filing out, spectators remained to honor a career that included a run to the 2008 semi‑finals and three additional quarter‑finals in Paris.
A Legacy of Excellence in French Tennis
The tribute brought Richard Gasquet, Gilles Simon, and Jo‑Wilfried Tsonga onto the court to stand alongside Monfils, the last of the long‑time French quartet still active. Monfils has said the 2026 season will be his final year on tour.
All four players reached the Top 10 during their careers — Gasquet as high as No. 7, Monfils and Simon to No. 6, and Tsonga to No. 5. Monfils has captured 13 ATP Tour titles and has been a fixture in French tennis for two decades.
A video of messages from leading figures in the sport capped the ceremony, with tributes from his French peers as well as Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Jannik Sinner, and Carlos Alcaraz, among others.
The ovation underscored the end of an era for French men’s tennis, with Monfils receiving an extended send‑off at the tournament where he first rose to prominence. His contributions to the sport, particularly in France, have been immeasurable, inspiring countless young athletes to pursue their dreams in tennis.
As fans reflect on his remarkable journey, it’s clear that Monfils will be remembered not just for his achievements on the court but also for his charismatic personality and the joy he brought to the game. The Roland Garros crowd’s heartfelt farewell serves as a testament to his impact on tennis and his legacy that will endure long after he hangs up his racquet.