Gael Monfils brought a festive atmosphere to Roland Garros on Thursday by joining forces with his wife Elina Svitolina to claim victory in a vibrant exhibition match ahead of his last appearance at his native Grand Slam tournament. The French fan-favorite showcased his skills on Court Philippe-Chatrier during ‘Gael & Friends’, an event that combined tennis, music, and accolades to commemorate his twenty-year professional journey.
Accompanied by top players such as Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas, Monfils was also supported by four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka, Maria Sakkari, and emerging American talent Iva Jovic. The presence of his former Davis Cup teammates Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Richard Gasquet added a sentimental touch to the evening.
Monfils and Svitolina sealed the exhibition match triumph, entertaining the Parisian audience with laughter, skillful shots, and friendly banter, diverging from the usual intensity of competitive matches. Throughout his career, Monfils clinched 13 ATP titles and made notable performances in Paris, notably reaching the semi-finals in 2008 and contributing to France’s Davis Cup finals in 2010 and 2014.
Expressing gratitude for the unwavering support, the charismatic 39-year-old Monfils reflected on his journey, acknowledging his failure to secure a Grand Slam title but emphasizing the pride he takes in his accomplished tennis career. Moved by the occasion, Svitolina, who affectionately referred to her husband as “a magician” in a letter to their daughter, was emotional as Monfils bid farewell to the court amidst a final ovation.
Monfils is set to face fellow Frenchman Hugo Gaston, 25, in the upcoming first round of the Roland Garros tournament, marking his 19th appearance in the main draw at the prestigious event.