MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) Gael Monfils, the charismatic French tennis player, captured the hearts of fans one last time at the Australian Open as he bid farewell to his storied career. The 39-year-old athlete, known for his dynamic playing style and infectious personality, concluded his journey at Melbourne Park with a first-round match against local qualifier Dane Sweeny.
Monfils played valiantly but ultimately succumbed to Sweeny in a gripping contest that ended with scores of 6-7 (3), 7-5, 6-4, 7-5. This match marked Monfils' 20th appearance at the Australian Open and his 69th Grand Slam outing overall. Throughout the afternoon, anticipation built for a potential second-round clash against world No. 8 Ben Shelton, with a capacity crowd rallying behind him, chanting his name and showing their support.
Despite leading by a set and a break, Monfils found himself overtaken by Sweeny, who not only displayed exceptional skill but also harnessed the energy of a raucous crowd. This marked Sweeny's first victory in a Grand Slam main draw match, showcasing the unpredictability and excitement of tennis. Monfils, revered for his athletic shot-making and remarkable comebacks, struggled to sustain his momentum in a match that stretched nearly four hours.
Traditionally, players leave the court promptly after matches; however, Monfils broke this norm by addressing the crowd following Sweeny's on-court interview. “For me, my journey started,” he reflected. “Now we are 2026 and somehow it’s the finish line.” Monfils had previously announced that the 2026 season would be his last, ending a career that saw him reach the quarterfinals of the Australian Open in both 2016 and 2021, in addition to semifinals appearances at Roland Garros and the U.S. Open.
Throughout his career, Monfils has inspired many with his engaging playstyle. He showcased his trademark leaping forehand in the match, reminiscent of the performance delivered by Novak Djokovic in his opening match. However, such brilliance was infrequent on this occasion. Monfils frequently sought relief from the physical toll of the match, taking time to grab towels and occasionally leaning on his racket as he battled weariness.
Notably, in the tense fourth set, Monfils had a break lead, raising hopes that the match might force a fifth set, a scenario where he has historically performed well, boasting a career record of 22-21 in five-set Grand Slam matches. Nevertheless, Sweeny remained undeterred, rallying back with support from enthusiastic fans dressed in red-and-yellow jerseys, while French supporters waved their tricolors in solidarity with Monfils.
Adding to the atmosphere was the presence of Monfils' wife, Elina Svitolina, a prominent player ranked No. 12 in the women's draw, who was part of his support team. However, they could not match the excitement generated by the Australian crowd, many of whom wore national colors and brandished inflatable kangaroos as symbols of their enthusiastic camaraderie.
In his heartfelt address to the crowd, Monfils expressed gratitude for the memories he created during his time at the Australian Open. “Thank you so much for this amazing ride. I’ve got a lot of great memories here. Big battles, quarterfinals,” he said, adding, “Very lucky to play here for many years. Merci beaucoup.” The farewell from Monfils marked a poignant moment in tennis, as he leaves behind a legacy of exhilarating performances and a vibrant spirit that has endeared him to fans around the world.
