Monfils honored at Paris Masters after October retirement

Gaël Monfils was honored at the Paris Masters on November 3, 2026, with a farewell ceremony after retiring from professional tennis in October. The 40-year-old Frenchman thanked the home crowd and spoke about his 22-year career, directing a personal message to his daughter, Skai. Monfils had planned to end his career with a final appearance in the Paris tournament but did not play. He instead returned to Centre Court for the ceremony, joined by fellow French players Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gilles Simon, Richard Gasquet and Benoît Paire. The event gave him a chance to say goodbye to supporters after his competitive career had ended. In his speech, Monfils thanked fans for supporting him throughout his time as a professional. He said the farewell was difficult and described the crowd as one of the most beautiful things tennis had given him. He also told Skai that he loved tennis, had grown up in Paris and hoped she would become a champion in whatever she chose to do, and perhaps one day play in the city. Monfils’s career ended at the US Open, where he lost in the second round to American Learner Tien. He had announced in October 2025 that 2026 would be his final season. One account...