Gael Monfils Bids Farewell at Roland Garros 2026

Gael Monfils is set to play his final match at Roland Garros 2026, marking the end of his professional tennis career. Known for his flamboyant style and charismatic personality, Monfils received a heartfelt farewell from friends and fellow players during the 'Gael & Friends' event. The draw for the tournament has also been revealed, with top players like Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner facing challenging paths. This emotional farewell highlights Monfils' impact on the sport and his legacy among fans and peers alike.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 22, 2026, 10:23 IST

Emotional Farewell for Monfils

Gael Monfils, the French tennis star, is set to play his last match at Roland Garros. Earlier this season, he announced his retirement from professional tennis, marking the end of an era. Although Monfils has never clinched a Grand Slam title, his vibrant playing style and engaging personality have won him a special place in the hearts of tennis fans. In a heartfelt tribute before the tournament, the event organizers hosted a memorable farewell celebration for the beloved player.

Numerous stars from both the ATP and WTA Tours attended the “Gael & Friends” event, making it a truly unforgettable occasion. Monfils was first joined on the court by his wife, Elina Svitolina, followed by tennis greats like Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, and Naomi Osaka. Retired French legends Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Richard Gasquet also made appearances. A particularly touching moment was Monfils’ camaraderie with World No.1 Jannik Sinner. Elina was visibly emotional as friends paid their respects to her husband.

2026 French Open Draw Announced

French Open Draw Revealed

On May 21, the draw for the 2026 French Open was unveiled. Among the top players, Novak Djokovic received a challenging draw, facing the powerful Mpetshi Perricard in his opening match. If he progresses without any surprises, Djokovic will need to overcome Valentin Royer, Joao Fonseca, Casper Ruud, and Alex de Minaur to reach the final, where a potential showdown with Jannik Sinner awaits.

Conversely, Sinner has been fortunate with his draw, starting against Clement Tabur. If he continues his winning streak, he could face Juan Manuel Cerundolo, Corentin Moutet, Luciano Darderi, Ben Shelton, and Felix Auger-Aliassime on his path to the final. Gael Monfils, on the other hand, has a relatively straightforward first match against local favorite Hugo Gaston. Should Monfils win, he may encounter Francisco Cerundolo or Botic van de Zandschulp next, with a potential blockbuster clash against Daniil Medvedev in the third round.