Gael Monfils and Stan Wawrinka Bow Out at Roland Garros
Roland Garros
May 26, 2026
Gael Monfils and Stan Wawrinka have thrilled us all at Roland Garros for decades. Finally it is all over for this flamboyant duo in Paris.
Frenchman Monfils went out in style, fighting a dramatic five sets against his compatriot Hugo Gaston.
After he came back from two sets down, there was simply nothing left in the tank during the decider. The spirit was willing but the 39-year-old body could battle no more against a succession of devastating drop shots.
Earlier Wawrinka, a former champion here, had lost in four to Jesper De Jong. No disgrace at the remarkable sporting age of 41.
Gael Monfils and Stan Wawrinka could still pop up at Wimbledon 2026. The former will want to support his wife, Elina Svitolina above all.
And he paid an emotional tribute to the superstar from Ukraine, one that left her in tears as she watched the post-match ceremony from his box.
Monfils said: ‘I want to thank my wife, who is there in every instance, every moment. Who has known how to support me not just as a player but as a man. And who gave me the most beautiful daughter in the world.’
Svitolina remains in the women’s singles tournament to represent that marriage with further distinction at the French Open. But both members of another famous tennis romance kept their hopes alive on Monday.
Britain’s Katie Boulter and Australia’s Alex de Minaur both won through to round two, even though it took Katie three sets to defeat little-known American Akasha Urhobo.
Katie and Alex will be married this summer. Romance is always in the air at the Grand Slams. Wimbledon 2026 will be no different.
Meanwhile both Gael Monfils and Stan Wawrinka were awarded trophies depicting the cross-section make-up of their beloved Roland Garros courts.
Two tennis legends said goodbye to their favourite stage on Day Two – and there was barely a dry eye in the house.
Gael Monfils and Stan Wawrinka will be succeeded by other tennis magicians at Wimbledon 2026, though. Centre Court is the place to be in a few short weeks.
Will you join all the legendary gladiators at the home of tennis?
Click here to view the Wimbledon Debenture Holders ticket prices for Wimbledon 2026. This ultimate sporting experience is worth every penny!
We hope to hear from you shortly.