Gael Monfils thanks Indian Wells for wild card after three-set loss to Felix Auger-Aliassime

Gael Monfils fell to Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6, 3-6, 4-6 in the second round of Indian Wells.

Monfils, who plans to retire from tennis later this year, made his final appearance at the tournament.

The Frenchman took full advantage of the opportunity. After defeating Alexis Galarneau in his opening match, he pushed top-10 player Auger-Aliassime to a deciding set before eventually bowing out.

Following his exit, Monfils went on social media to thank the Indian Wells organisers for giving him a wild card entry.

Monfils bids farewell to Indian Wells with heartfelt thanks to organisers and fans

Monfils posted the following note on Instagram:

“Tennis Paradise… and it truly lives up to its name. Today marks the end of a very special chapter for me at Indian Wells. It was the last time I stepped on the court here, in a place that has always held a very special place in my heart”, he said.

“The first time I came to Indian Wells was in 2005. Being able to come back year after year, feel this unique energy, and play in such an incredible setting has always been a true joy and a real privilege”.

“Thank you to the tournament for welcoming me all these years, and for inviting me once again this year. And above all, thank you to the fans. Your support, your warmth, and your passion are what make this tournament so special. Every time I stepped onto these courts, I always felt incredibly comfortable and embraced by the atmosphere”.

“Closing this chapter in 2026 is a little emotional, but more than anything, it leaves me with a deep sense of gratitude. Indian Wells will always remain one of my favorite tournaments on the tour. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all the memories. Tennis Paradise, forever.”

Monfils may have wrapped up his time at Indian Wells, but his farewell tour is far from over – there’s still plenty of tennis ahead for him this season before he hangs up his racquet later this year.

Where will Gael Monfils play next?

Like Stan Wawrinka, Monfils has received several wild cards this year as part of his farewell tour.

With his ranking now outside the top 140, the Frenchman will have to depend on invitations from tournaments to play more events this year.

He’s already been confirmed for the Lyon Open in October, but what other events could we see him at?

Monfils is a former finalist at both Monte-Carlo and Paris Masters and reached the semi-finals of Roland-Garros in 2008.

The Frenchman could also receive wild cards into Wimbledon and the US Open, both of which have invited retiring players before. Monfils has been more successful in New York, reaching a semi-final there, while he’s never made it past the fourth round at Wimbledon.

Outside of those major events, he may also show up at some smaller ATP 500 or ATP 250 tournaments. Clay-court events in Europe would likely be keen to give him one last appearance before he retires.

Read more: