Rolex Paris Masters: “I am at peace with everything I have been able to do”, whispers Monfils in his farewell to the Parisian public

This time, Gaël Monfils, one of the most popular players of the last thirty years, has said goodbye to the world of tennis, he who will radically change his life next year by working in finance. A huge “Thank you Gaël” tifo was displayed when the young retiree entered the stage, receiving a standing ovation. After the essential look back at the highlights of his career, the Parisian took the microphone. He first wanted to thank the public: “It’s not easy to say goodbye to the most beautiful thing that this earth could have given me. If I was able to realize my dream, it is thanks to all of you. »

The former 6th player in the world did not open up about his personal problems, which are known to all. His breakup with Elena Svitolina, which ended his career faster than expected. He barely conceded. “These last few weeks, sometimes painful, I have been able to review the images and measure what I have accomplished. I did my best. I am happy, at peace with everything I have been able to do. What a path, what luck! There was work, but a lot of success too. »

He greeted his parents, Sylvette and Rufin, recalling his first participation in the tournament in 2004. He also wanted to pay tribute to the president of the FFT Gilles Moretton and the tournament director Cédric Pioline: “Thank you also to Gilles and Cédric, present in a personally complicated period. They helped me overcome my fears. I thought it would be insurmountable to come and say goodbye to you in the eyes. »

I hope that you will be champion of everything you want and that one day you will be able to play here, in Paris.

Monfils speaking to his daughter

He especially dedicated his last dance to his daughter, Skaï, aged 4. All with humor and a lot of tenderness: “My daughter, Sky, absolutely wanted me to talk about her. She told me she wanted to be a “champion of everything”, first a “champion of speaking”, then of tennis. I told him that we would still have to choose! Sky, I would like to dedicate this last turn of the wheel to you, in Paris, on November 3, 2026. I have been with your mother for eight years today: a symbolic date for our family. Your dad was a tennis player. He loved tennis. I grew up in Paris, with a magnificent audience. I hope that you will be champion of everything you want and that one day you will be able to play here, in Paris. »

If in the stands Henri Leconte seemed very moved, the Monf’ did not shed any tears. The laughter was legion, on the other hand, surrounded by his friends Gilles Simon, Richard Gasquet, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Benoît Paire, M. Pokora and even Paterne Mamata, who joined him at the end of the ceremony. And Monfils then performed a final and final lap of honor before disappearing into the corridors.