Djokovic, Sinner, Osaka Join Monfils for ‘Gael & Friends’ Exhibition in Paris
The 38-year-old Frenchman marked 20 years on tour with music, tributes and trick shots at Roland Garros before his 19th main draw appearance next week.
Gael Monfils celebrates French Open farewell with star-studded exhibition at Roland Garros...
Gael Monfils kicked off his French Open farewell on Thursday with a fun exhibition match at Roland Garros. He partnered with his wife Elina Svitolina for the win as he gets ready for his last run at his home Grand Slam.
The French favorite was the main attraction on Court Philippe-Chatrier for “Gael & Friends.” The evening mixed tennis, live music, and tributes honoring his 20 years on the pro tour.
Tennis Stars Turn Out for Monfils' Roland Garros Sendoff
A lineup of top players joined Monfils on court, including Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka also played, along with Maria Sakkari and rising American Iva Jovic. Former Davis Cup teammates Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Richard Gasquet added a nostalgic feel to the night.
Monfils and Svitolina closed it out with a win in the exhibition. The Paris crowd loved the mix of laughter, trick shots, and playful rallies that replaced the usual competitive tension.
Monfils claimed 13 ATP titles in his career. He also had standout moments in Paris, highlighted by a semifinal run in 2008. He represented France in Davis Cup finals in both 2010 and 2014.
He never won a Grand Slam title, but his influence went well beyond the record book. His energy and charisma on court made him a crowd favorite everywhere he played.
“Thanks to you all for everything you've given me over the years,” the 39-year-old showman said after the exhibition match.
“It's been a dream of my life. I've always given my absolute most. I was never quite good enough to win a Grand Slam. But maybe I won something more important than that - a tennis career I'm proud of.”
I wrote a letter to my daughter, about her dad the magician, before his last show in Paris @PlayersTribune https://t.co/v054c7iTvD
— Elina Monfils (@ElinaSvitolina) May 21, 2026
Earlier in the night, Svitolina had written a note to their daughter calling her husband “a magician.” She was moved to tears as Monfils stayed on court to take in one last ovation from the crowd.
Monfils will open his 19th French Open main draw next week against 25-year-old Frenchman Hugo Gaston in the first round at Roland Garros.
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