FRENCH OPEN. Men’s Singles.
Gaël Monfils played his final match at Roland Garros, saying farewell to the Parisian clay that so many times witnessed his spectacular performances. And, as expected, he said goodbye with a show worthy of his legacy.
The Frenchman closed Monday’s schedule on Court Philippe Chatrier against fellow countryman Hugo Gaston. After dropping the first two sets, Monfils attempted one of his trademark comebacks by winning the next two and forcing a deciding fifth set. The 39-year-old Frenchman gave the crowd three hours and 22 minutes of unforgettable tennis.
“Not even in my wildest dreams could I have imagined something like this. It was truly exceptional. An incredible opportunity. You picture it without really being able to imagine it. But between Thursday and tonight, everything that happened will stay forever in my memory. It was an immense opportunity. I was incredibly lucky. It’s something that will remain forever in my heart.”
“It’s really hard to choose, but some matches were unbelievable. Whether I won or lost, I can name several. I loved the one I played against Pablo Cuevas, another against David Ferrer, another against Fabio Fognini, and another against Sebastián Báez. There were also two in a row that I loved against Dick Norman and James Blake. It was incredible. I also had two extraordinary matches against Andy Murray. My first victory on center court against Andy went to five sets. Then I lost a quarterfinal against him, also in five sets. I love those matches.”