TENNIS: French showman Monfils bids adieu to Roland Garros after loss to Gaston

PARIS — French crowd favorite Gaël Monfils bid an emotional farewell to Roland Garros on Monday after falling 6-2, 6-3, 3-6, 2-6, 6-0 to fellow Frenchman Hugo Gaston in a dramatic first-round match that marked the end of a two-decade-long era of flair, showmanship, and deep connection with fans.

Earlier in the day, veteran Stan Wawrinka also appeared to close the chapter on his French Open career, adding to the sense of transition at Roland Garros as longtime stars step aside for a new generation. The 39-year-old Monfils, despite flashes of his trademark athletic brilliance, struggled to consistently match Gaston’s level before ultimately bowing out in a rollercoaster contest on Court Philippe Chatrier.

“Here we are, I love you all so much. I’ll try to be quick and to the point,” Monfils said after a tribute video played on the stadium screen, highlighting his signature shot-making, athletic recoveries, and enduring bond with Parisian supporters.

He went on to thank his parents, family, his wife and fellow player Elina Svitolina, his coaches, and the French Tennis Federation before turning his attention to the fans who have followed his career for years.

“I’d like to thank you all,” Monfils said. “Every year I come to play at the French Open, I get goosebumps. Every time, I say to myself, ‘this is magical.’ I’ve created something powerful, unique, exceptional.

“I’m going to miss you. This tournament is fabulous, it’s magical. Roland Garros, I love you. I owe you everything.”

Monfils, who has announced plans to retire at the end of the season, dropped the opening set before briefly lifting the home crowd with a spirited comeback attempt in the second. However, Gaston quickly regained control to move two sets ahead.

Just when fans hoped for one last signature revival, Monfils delivered it—breaking serve to take a 5-3 lead and capturing the third set, then racing through the fourth to force a decisive fifth set. But Gaston regrouped in the final set, shutting the door on any further comeback to secure the win.

“There are a lot of emotions,” Gaston said afterward. “There is joy but mostly sadness. I’m so sorry for you, Gaël. I want to congratulate you and thank you for everything you have done for us young players and for your incredible career. You are a French legend, a legend of our sport.”

Tributes poured in from across the tennis world, including Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Gilles Simon, Richard Gasquet, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, and Wawrinka, as Monfils received an emotional sendoff befitting one of France’s most beloved tennis figures.

As applause echoed across Court Philippe Chatrier, Monfils left the court for what may be his final Roland Garros appearance, carrying with him the legacy of a career defined not only by victories, but by joy, charisma, and a rare connection with the sport’s biggest stage. -Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Paris; Additional reporting by Vincent Daheron; Editing by Paul Simao/Reuters