French fave Monfils wraps up emotional RG career

Gael Monfils concluded his French Open career with a five-set opening-round loss to compatriot Hugo Gaston, but bowed out with a smile and big plans for a future outside the court.

The last Paris match of the French showman came only hours after good Swiss friend Stan Wawrinka also said his career goodbyes to Roland Garros, with retirement set for the end of the season.

While three-time grand Slam winner Wawrinka, 41, lifted the title here 11 years ago, the best at the venue for the 39-year-old Monfils was the 2008 semi-finals.

“It’s a mixed feeling between happiness, sadness, and a lot of feelings, a lot of emotion. It’s very hard to describe,” Monfils said.

“Somehow I don’t want to dig too deep yet, but it’s not easy. It’s very hard, deeply inside is very hard, so I really try to block them.”

The Swiss-based player married to WTA No. 7 Elina Svitolina took to the court on Monday night 21 years after his first match here, when he also lost a 6-0 final set in his debut to Guillermo Cañas.

Against Gaston, Monfils fought back to level at two sets apiece after dropping the first two but ran out of gas in the fifth where he was blanked.

He told French media of his immediate plans, working with his brother to complete a massive 10,000-piece Lego of the Eiffel Tour.

He said he will be hoping for wildcard invitations to Wimbledon and possibly the US Open but will play the remainder of the season by ear. His schedule will be set to allow time to be with his daughter Skai as she begins preschool in September.

Monfils added that he is determined to play past the age of 40, meaning he would have to compete in some autumn events after his September birthday.

“My wish is to be an athlete that plays until 40 years old. Nico (His manager) says that he’s locked me in until 40, maybe 40 years and a few days, let’s see”

Main photo:- Gail Monfils waves farewell to Roland Garros after 21 years. – ©ATPTour.com