Gael Monfils transformed Roland Garros into a party on Thursday night, as he and his wife Elina Svitolina won a star-studded exhibition match — a warm-up for his final home Grand Slam appearance.
The event, called “Gael & Friends,” took place on center court Court Philippe-Chatrier, blending tennis, music, and tributes to celebrate the 39-year-old’s two-decade journey on the professional tour.
The former world No. 6 was joined by a lineup of top players, including Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas. Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka also took part, alongside Maria Sakkari and American teenager Iva Jovic. Monfils’ former Davis Cup teammates Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Richard Gasquet added a nostalgic touch to the evening.
Monfils and Svitolina ended the night with a victory, delighting the Paris crowd with humorous rallies, trick shots, and cheerful exchanges rather than the usual tournament tension.
Monfils has won 13 ATP titles and enjoyed memorable Roland Garros campaigns, including a semifinal run in 2008. He also helped France reach the Davis Cup finals in 2010 and 2014.
Though he never won a Grand Slam, Monfils’ impact goes far beyond results, and his on-court charisma has made him a crowd favorite wherever he plays.
“Thank you all for everything you have given me over the years,” the 39-year-old said after the exhibition match. “This is the dream of my life. I always gave my best. I was never good enough to win a Grand Slam. But maybe I won something more important – a tennis career I am proud of.”
Svitolina, who earlier wrote a letter calling her husband a “wizard” to their young daughter, was in tears as Monfils lingered on court, soaking up the final applause.
Next week, Monfils will face 25-year-old compatriot Hugo Gaston in the first round of Roland Garros, his 19th main-draw appearance at the French Open.
