Lead

Gaël Monfils played the final match of his career at Roland Garros on Monday, losing to compatriot Hugo Gaston in a five-set thriller that ended his two-decade association with the French Open. The 39-year-old former world number six, who will retire at the end of the season, was defeated 6-2, 6-3, 3-6, 2-6, 6-0 on Court Philippe-Chatrier, as reported by France 24.

Coverage comparison

The two outlets that covered the match, Al Jazeera and France 24, both confirmed the result and the retirement plans, but their emphasis differed. Al Jazeera's coverage was more forward-looking, focusing on Monfils' plans to continue playing into his 40s and his upcoming appearances at Wimbledon and the US Open. France 24, meanwhile, emphasized the emotional farewell, including Monfils' on-court address to the crowd and the reaction of Gaston.

The farewell had a festive prelude. On Thursday, Monfils took part in an exhibition match at Roland Garros, teaming up with his wife, Elina Svitolina, to win the event. The match, named "Gaël & Friends," blended tennis, music and tributes, according to Al Jazeera. The evening celebrated Monfils's two-decade journey on the professional tour, with players including Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas joining him on court.

Key claims

A five-set exit

Monfils, ranked 218th, went two sets down to 118th-ranked Hugo Gaston before mounting a comeback. He broke at 4-3 in the third set, then raced through the fourth to force a decider. But two wayward forehands gave Gaston an early break in the fifth, and the left-hander cruised to a 6-0 final set, booking a second-round meeting with Argentinian 25th seed Francisco Cerundolo.

"It was very hard," Gaston said. "It's very weird the feeling, there's joy obviously but sadness for Gael. I'm very sorry. I want to thank you for everything you've done for young players," as quoted by France 24.

Retirement and plans

Monfils confirmed he will retire at the end of the season, as reported by both Al Jazeera and France 24. He turns 40 in September and wants to play until 40, citing athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James, and Patrice Evra as inspiration.

"Why do I want to get to the States? Because I want to play until 40. My wish is to be an athlete that plays until 40," Monfils said, according to Al Jazeera. He hopes to secure a wildcard for the US Open and plans to play at Wimbledon and Montreal before ending his career at the Paris Masters.

A historic career

The match marked Monfils's 19th main-draw appearance at the French Open, as reported by Al Jazeera. He won 13 ATP titles, reached the semifinal in 2008 in Paris, and helped France to Davis Cup finals in 2010 and 2014. A Grand Slam title eluded him, but his impact extended beyond results, with his on-court charisma making him a draw card.

Monfils thanked his family, entourage, and wife Svitolina after the match, and told the crowd, "I'm going to miss you all, thank you from the bottom of my heart," as reported by France 24.

Beyond the result

The loss came on the same day that Monfils' long-time friend Stan Wawrinka also lost in Paris. Both are due to retire at the end of the season, as noted in France 24's report.

Perspectives

Gaël Monfils

The Frenchman spoke of his wish to play until 40, drawing inspiration from athletes who have continued into their 40s. "You know that whatever happens this summer, I'm locked in to train," he said, as reported by Al Jazeera. He also expressed his gratitude to the Roland Garros crowd, calling the tournament a dream of his life.

Hugo Gaston

Gaston offered a mixed emotional reaction after the match, saying that while there was joy in victory, there was also sadness for Monfils. He praised Monfils's contribution to young players, thanking him publicly, as quoted by France 24.

Timeline

The exhibition match took place on Thursday evening, two days before the French Open began. The first-round match occurred on Monday, May 25, 2026, according to the French 24 report.