French Open Finalist Monfils Hosts Star-Studded Farewell Party Before Event

French Tennis Star Gael Monfils Celebrates Two-Decade Career with Exhibition Match

Gael Monfils and his wife Elina Svitolina teamed up to win an exhibition match at Roland Garros on Thursday, marking a special evening that blended tennis, music, and tributes. The event took place on Court Philippe-Chatrier, where Monfils was joined by several top players, including Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Naomi Osaka, Maria Sakkari, Iva Jovic, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, and Richard Gasquet.

Monfils, a former world number six, played in front of his home crowd at Roland Garros for the final time. The exhibition event featured music performances and tributes to celebrate Monfils’ two-decade journey on the professional tour. He won 13 ATP titles and had memorable runs in Paris, including a semifinal appearance in 2008.

Monfils expressed gratitude to his fans after the match, saying “Thanks to you all for everything you’ve given me over the years.” His wife Svitolina was visibly emotional during the event, having earlier written a note to their daughter calling her husband “a magician.”

Monfils will face 25-year-old compatriot Hugo Gaston in the first round at Roland Garros next week. This marks Monfils’ 19th appearance in the main draw at the French Open.

Source: Al Jazeera