Tennis-Monfils warms up for final French Open with star-studded farewell party

Gael Monfils brought the party to Roland Garros on ​Thursday, teaming up with his wife Elina ​Svitolina to win a lively, star-studded ‌exhibition ​match as he prepared for his final appearance at his home Grand Slam. The popular Frenchman took centre stage on Court Philippe-Chatrier for 'Gael & Friends', an ‌evening that blended tennis, music and tributes to celebrate his two-decade journey on the professional tour.

The former world number six was joined by an array of leading players, including Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev and ‌Stefanos Tsitsipas. Four-times Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka also featured, alongside Maria Sakkari and rising American talent Iva ‌Jovic, while his former Davis Cup teammates Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Richard Gasquet added a nostalgic touch to the occasion.

Monfils and Svitolina capped the night by winning the exhibition event, delighting the Paris crowd in an event filled with laughter, trick shots ⁠and playful ​exchanges replacing the usual tension ⁠of a competition. Monfils won 13 ATP titles and enjoyed memorable runs in Paris, including a semi-final appearance in 2008. He ⁠helped France to Davis Cup finals in 2010 and 2014.

While a Grand Slam title eluded him, his impact extended far ​beyond results and his on-court charisma made him a major draw card wherever he played. "Thanks to ⁠you all for everything you've given me over the years," the 39-year-old showman said after the exhibition match. "It's been a dream ⁠of ​my life. I've always given my absolute most. I was never quite good enough to win a Grand Slam. But maybe I won something more important than that - a tennis career I'm proud ⁠of."

Svitolina, who had earlier called her husband "a magician" in a note written to their daughter, was reduced to ⁠tears as Monfils lingered ⁠on court, soaking up one final ovation. Monfils will play 25-year-old compatriot Hugo Gaston in the first round at Roland Garros next week, his 19th appearance in ‌the main draw ‌at the French Open.

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