Gaël Monfils is preparing to step onto the Parisian clay for the final time. At 39, the showman of French tennis has received a wild card from the French Tennis Federation to compete in his last Roland-Garros before retiring at the end of the 2026 season.
"It feels strange to think that today I am starting my last week of training on clay," the Parisian recently shared. A simple sentence that encapsulates twenty years of professional tennis, punctuated by unforgettable moments on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Monfils is not the only veteran to receive this honour. Stan Wawrinka, 41 and the 2015 champion, will also compete in his 21st and final Roland-Garros thanks to a wild card. Tournament organisers have announced a tribute will be held after his last match. Two extraordinary careers ending on the same stage.
But emotion should not overshadow the athlete. Ranked 222nd in the world, Monfils remains capable of producing magic. His longevity in such a physically demanding sport borders on the miraculous. "40 will be the right time for me," he declared at the start of the season, setting his own deadline.
The FFT's wild card is a gesture of recognition towards a player who carried French tennis for two decades. His acrobatic dives, legendary tweeners, and improbable shot-making: Monfils has always put on a show, sometimes at the expense of results.
The main draw ceremony takes place on May 21. Regardless of his opponent, Monfils knows that every point will carry double weight with the Chatrier crowd. Paris loves its heroes, and "La Monf'" deserves an exit worthy of his career.
Among the other wild cards, the FFT has invested in youth with Moïse Kouamé, 17 and ranked 313th, and Ksenia Efremova, 17 and Australian Open junior champion. The passing of the torch between generations has never been more visible.