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French Tennis Star Monfils Bids Emotional Farewell to Australian Open
MELBOURNE, Australia — For two decades, Gael Monfils has dazzled Australian Open crowds with his athletic shotmaking and charismatic presence. On Tuesday, the 39-year-old Frenchman’s Melbourne Park journey came to an emotional end as he was defeated in the first round by Australian qualifier Dane Sweeny.
Despite leading by a set and a break, Monfils ultimately fell 6-7 (3), 7-5, 6-4, 7-5 in a match that stretched nearly four hours on Kia Arena. The capacity crowd chanted his name throughout the contest, creating an electric atmosphere that underscored his status as a fan favorite.
“Thank you so much for this amazing ride. I’ve got a lot of great memories here. Big battles, quarterfinals,” Monfils told the crowd in a special post-match address, breaking tournament convention where typically only the winner speaks. “Very lucky to play here for many years. Merci beaucoup.”
The match itself showcased the athletic brilliance that has defined Monfils’ 20-year career. In the first set, he delivered one of his trademark jumping forehand winners, reminiscent of the shot Novak Djokovic had emulated just a day earlier in his own opening match. However, as the contest wore on, Monfils frequently retreated to the side of the court for a towel and often leaned on his racket for support between points.
Sweeny, just 24 years old and playing in his first Grand Slam main draw victory, gradually gained momentum. The young Australian beat Monfils at his own game – retrieving seemingly impossible shots, scrambling across the court, and producing winners from defensive positions that left spectators in awe.
The atmosphere at Kia Arena mirrored the drama on court. Monfils’ supporters, including a vocal “Tribune Bleue” crew waving French tricolor flags, battled for acoustic supremacy with Sweeny’s fans, many dressed in red-and-yellow Life Guards jerseys or Australia’s national sporting colors. Some Australian supporters even brandished inflatable kangaroos.
Among Monfils’ most devoted supporters was his wife, Elina Svitolina, the No. 12 seed in the women’s draw, who encouraged him throughout the match.
Monfils had announced before the tournament that 2026 would mark his final year on the professional tour. “For me, my journey started long ago,” he reflected after the match. “Now we are in 2026 and somehow it’s the finish line.”
His career accomplishments are substantial, including quarterfinal appearances at the Australian Open in 2016 and 2021, plus semifinals at Roland Garros and the U.S. Open. Known for his remarkable ability to recover from deficits, Monfils compiled an impressive 22-21 record in five-set Grand Slam matches throughout his career.
Tuesday’s match appeared headed for a decisive fifth set when Monfils secured a break in the fourth. However, Sweeny’s resilience proved too much, and he closed out the match in four sets, setting up a second-round encounter with No. 8 seed Ben Shelton – a matchup that would have belonged to Monfils had the result gone differently.
The loss marks Monfils’ 69th and final Grand Slam appearance, bringing to a close a remarkable chapter in Australian Open history. While his playing days at Melbourne Park may be over, the memories of his acrobatic shotmaking, infectious enthusiasm, and crowd-pleasing performances will remain embedded in the tournament’s rich heritage.
For a player who turned professional in 2004, Monfils’ longevity and continued competitiveness at the highest levels of the sport stand as testament to both his physical gifts and his passion for tennis. As he exits the Australian Open stage for the final time, he leaves behind a legacy of athletic brilliance and showmanship that transcended mere results.
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10 Comments
It’s the end of an era with Monfils leaving the Australian Open. He was always a joy to watch, with his powerful shotmaking and entertaining showmanship. Kudos to him for a great career.
Monfils has been such an exciting player to watch over the years. It’s sad to see him bid farewell to the Australian Open, but he’s given the fans so many memorable moments. He’ll be missed on the tour.
While it’s sad to see Monfils exit the Australian Open, he can be proud of the indelible mark he left on the tournament. His unique playing style and engaging personality made him a fan favorite for two decades.
Monfils may not have won the title, but he certainly won the hearts of the Australian Open fans over the years. His emotional farewell speech was a fitting tribute to a beloved player.
Exactly, Monfils was a true entertainer on the court. Even in defeat, he left a lasting impression and will be remembered as one of the most charismatic figures in tennis.
It’s the end of an era with Monfils’ Australian Open exit. While he couldn’t clinch the title, his electrifying performances and connection with the fans will ensure his name is etched in the tournament’s history.
Monfils’ athletic and charismatic style of play made him a fan favorite at the Australian Open. While his career may be winding down, his impact on the sport will be long-lasting.
I agree, Monfils has been a true ambassador for the sport. Even in defeat, he showed his class by addressing the crowd. Tennis will miss his flair and energy.
Monfils’ emotional farewell to the Australian Open is a bittersweet moment. He may not have won the title, but his legacy as a crowd-pleasing showman will live on in the hearts of tennis fans worldwide.
Well said. Monfils’ impact transcended results – he was a true ambassador for the sport, and his departure leaves a void that will be difficult to fill.