Showman signs off: Gael Monfils gets Grand Farewell at Roland-Garros

Gael Monfils confirmed for Roland Garros send-off ahead of retirement

Gael Monfils is set for one final appearance at his home Grand Slam, Roland Garros, before he steps away from tennis at the end of this season.

The Frenchman announced his retirement plans back in October and has since played in five tour-level events during what is his farewell campaign.

His 2026 schedule so far has included stops in Auckland, Acapulco, Indian Wells, and Monte-Carlo, along with a last trip to the Australian Open, where he went out in the first round.

As the Frenchman prepares for a final run through the clay season and another shot at his home Slam before calling time on his career, he’ll also receive a special send-off from the tournament.

Gael Monfils set for special Roland Garros send-off with ‘Gael & Friends’ night

Monfils took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share the news, posting: “Roland-Garros… my last Roland-Garros. It’s strange to write, but it’s the reality.

“And rather than let it pass in silence, I wanted to mark the occasion in a way that truly feels like me. I called some friends. Real ones. Players I admire and with whom I’ve shared locker rooms, courts, and fits of laughter.

“And then some artists I deeply love, Matt Pokora, Martin Solveig, Franglish, because for me, tennis and music have always been intertwined. It’s my life, it’s my DNA.

“We’ll all meet up on Thursday, May 21, on the main court at Roland-Garros for an evening we’ve simply called: Gaël & Friends. Some tennis, some music, some surprises… and above all, love.

“Because that’s what I’ve always received from you, and that’s what I want to give back to you that night. I want us to experience something together. Something we won’t forget. See you Thursday, May 21.”

Gael Monfils’ best finish at Roland Garros

Although he’s never won a major title, Monfils has twice reached the semifinals of a Grand Slam, including once in Paris.

In 2008, just 21 years old at the time, he made an impressive run in the French capital as he tried to become the first homegrown champion since Yannick Noah in 1983.

Along the way, Monfils took down Ivan Ljubicic and clay specialist David Ferrer before running into Roger Federer in the semis. He pushed Federer to four sets but couldn’t quite get over the line.

Monfils also reached three more quarterfinals at Roland Garros (2009, 2011 and 2014), cementing his place as one of France’s most consistent performers of his era.

Read more: