Gaël Monfils lost in the first round of the French Open on Monday, marking his final appearance at Roland Garros [1], [3].

The exit of the veteran player signals the end of a long-standing presence for one of France's most recognizable tennis figures at his home Grand Slam.

Monfils, 39 years old [1], faced fellow Frenchman Hugo Gaston on Court Philippe-Chatrier [4]. The match lasted five sets, with Gaston ultimately securing the victory with a score of 6-2, 6-3, 3-6, 2-6, 6-0 [2].

The contest saw a fluctuating momentum. Gaston took an early lead by winning the first two sets. Monfils rallied to win the third and fourth sets, forcing a deciding fifth frame. However, Gaston dominated the final set to close out the match [2].

This first-round elimination concludes the competitive run for Monfils at the tournament. The match took place on May 25, 2026 [3], serving as a farewell for the veteran on the clay courts of Paris [1], [2].

Gaël Monfils lost in the first round of the French Open on Monday, marking his final appearance at Roland Garros

The retirement of Gaël Monfils from Roland Garros represents a transition in French tennis. As a long-time fixture of the tour known for his athleticism and showmanship, his departure leaves a void in the local draw that younger players like Hugo Gaston are now stepping in to fill.