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A former world junior number one and three-time Grand Slam junior champion, Monfils, by his own admission, may not have fully fulfilled his potential in the senior ranks, but insists his “bucket list is full”.
In his 23 seasons in professional tennis, he has won 13 ATP titles, reached at least the last eight in three of the four majors – Wimbledon being the exception – and holds a career-high ranking of sixth in the world.
There were 38 wins over top-10 ranked players, including multiple wins against both Federer and Nadal and two Davis Cup finals with France.
Such was his longevity, this was his 70th appearance in the main draw of a Grand Slam and 19th at the French Open. He holds the record for the most Slam matches won by a male French player in the Open era, even if a major title is elusive.
But Monfils will be most remembered for his on-court showmanship, athleticism and offensive shot selection. His near-physics-defying slides along the baseline and basketball-like hangtime before the smash cemented his status as a fan favorite.
“I was never good enough to win a Grand Slam,” Monfils reflected before the French Open. “But maybe I’ve won something more important – a tennis career I’m proud of.”
As a testament to his popularity on and off the court, Philippe-Chatrier’s farewell festivities kicked off last Thursday with a charity event – aptly called ‘Gale and Friends’ – featuring stars such as Janic Ciner, Djokovic and Naomi Osaka, as well as fellow Frenchmen – both retired galler-w-w-richer and Djokovic.
Gasquet was also present for Monfils’ final bow against Gaston, as were French tennis royalty Mauresmo – the tournament director – and Henri Leconte.
