The night was a blend of tennis, music, and a tribute celebrating his 20-year journey on the professional tour.
Published May 22, 2026
Gael Monfils brought the party to Roland Garros on Thursday, teaming up with wife Elina Svitolina to win a lively, star-studded exhibition match for his final home Grand Slam appearance.
The popular French player took center stage at the Court Philippe Chatrier for an evening called “Gale & Friends,” which blended tennis, music and a tribute celebrating his 20-year journey on the professional tour.
The former world number six was joined by a number of strong players, including Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
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Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka was also in attendance, along with Maria Sakkari and rising American talent Iva Jovic, while former Davis Cup teammates Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Richard Gasquet also added a nostalgic touch to the occasion.
Monfils and Svitolina ended the night with wins in the exhibition event. The usual tension of the competition was replaced by an event filled with laughter, trick shots and playful interactions that delighted the Paris crowd.
Monfils has won 13 ATP titles and had a memorable run in Paris, including reaching the semi-finals in 2008. He helped France reach the Davis Cup finals in 2010 and 2014.
Although a Grand Slam title was a long way off, his influence went far beyond his results, and his on-court charisma drew great attention wherever he played.
“Thank you for everything you’ve given me over the years,” the 39-year-old showman said after the exhibition match.
“This has been a dream of my life. I have always given my all. I have never done well enough to win a Grand Slam. But perhaps I have won something more important than that: a tennis career that I am proud of.”
Svitolina, who previously called her husband a “magician” in a note to her daughter, burst into tears as Monfils remained on court, soaking in the final applause.
Monfils will face 25-year-old compatriot Hugo Gaston in the first round at Roland Garros next week, making it his 19th appearance in the French Open main draw.
