PARIS, November 4 – French tennis star Gael Monfils received an emotional farewell from fans in Paris as he brought his 22-year professional career to a close.
The 40-year-old former world No. 6 was honoured during a special ceremony at the Rolex Paris Masters on Tuesday, November 3.
Monfils thanked the crowd for supporting him throughout his career. He said their encouragement had helped him achieve his dreams in tennis.
He also admitted that saying goodbye was difficult. However, he said he felt at peace with his achievements and the journey he had completed.
Monfils Dedicates Farewell to Daughter Skai
One of the most touching moments came when Monfils spoke about his four-year-old daughter, Skai.
He shared a conversation they had at home. His daughter had told him that she wanted to become a champion.
Monfils recalled asking her what kind of champion she wanted to be. She initially said she wanted to be a champion in everything.
She later mentioned tennis as one of her dreams.
The Frenchman then dedicated his final lap of honour to Skai. He wished her success in whatever path she chooses.
He also expressed hope that she might one day play tennis in Paris.
Former French Tennis Stars Join the Celebration
The ceremony brought together several familiar names from French tennis.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Richard Gasquet and Gilles Simon joined Monfils on court to celebrate his career.
The four players were widely recognised as a leading generation of French tennis stars.
Benoît Paire also attended the celebration. Fans welcomed Monfils with applause, chants and a special tribute display.
The ceremony included highlights from his career and a chance for him to thank the people who supported him.
A Career Built on Talent and Entertainment
Monfils turned professional in 2004 and became one of the most entertaining players on the ATP Tour.
He won 13 ATP singles titles during his career. His best Grand Slam results were semi-final appearances at the French Open in 2008 and the US Open in 2016.
He also reached the Paris Masters final twice, in 2009 and 2010.
Known for his athleticism, energy and spectacular shot-making, Monfils built a strong connection with tennis fans around the world.
His final official match came at the US Open in September 2026. He later confirmed his retirement from professional tennis in October.
His farewell in Paris marked an emotional ending to a career that spanned more than two decades.
Source : BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy
