PARIS — Their agility may have slowed on the iconic red clay, and their recovery may take longer, but the love from the French crowd remains unwavering.
Stan Wawrinka and Gael Monfils, two legends of tennis, have gifted fans with unforgettable moments at Roland Garros. As they make their return to this beloved tournament, both players prepare for an emotional farewell, as they have revealed plans to retire at the season’s end.
Once giants of the sport, both have seen their rankings slip. Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam champion at 41 years old, claimed his title at the French Open in 2015 and now sits at No. 119. Meanwhile, 39-year-old Monfils, who reached the semifinals in Paris in 2008 and has made it to the quarterfinals three other times, is now at No. 221 and has received a wild card to compete.
Monfils is celebrated for his electrifying style, boundless energy, and exceptional physical prowess, making him a fan favorite at his home Grand Slam where he first appeared over 20 years ago. Although he has yet to replicate the triumph of Yannick Noah, the last Frenchman to win in 1983, “La Monf” has continually delighted Paris crowds.
And it’s not just the fans who hold him dear.
“I don’t think I’ve met anyone who doesn’t admire Gael,” remarked 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic last Friday. “He’s one of my all-time favorites to watch. His athletic talent is astounding. I am eager to see him shine in his final Roland Garros.”
Since making his debut in 2005, Monfils boasts a commendable 40-17 record at this clay-court grand slam, which kicks off this Sunday. His first-round match pits him against fellow compatriot Hugo Gaston.
Three years ago, Monfils arrived at Roland Garros after heel surgery, ranked No. 394, and hadn’t won a Grand Slam match in over a year. He fought through a nearly four-hour battle against Sebastian Baez, clinching a thrilling first-round victory.
Last year’s narrative was even more gripping; he rallied from two sets down against Hugo Dellien to surpass the record for the most five-set match wins on Roland Garros clay courts (12) in the Open era.
“I might not have the Grand Slam title,” Monfils shared during a heartfelt tribute at Roland Garros this week, “but I’ve certainly achieved more. I’m proud of the career I’ve built.”
Ukrainian player Elena Svitolina, who tied the knot with Monfils in 2021, believes her husband will relish every moment of his final Roland Garros.
“For him, having the support of a French crowd is a lifelong dream—to play in big matches and to feel their energy,” Svitolina explained. “He’s had wonderful experiences here that he holds dearly. While nerves may be present, I believe he’s found a balance and will just aim to enjoy his last performance here.”
Wawrinka’s Iconic Feats and His Shorts
Wawrinka, affectionately known as “Stan the Man,” resonates deeply with the French audience. His genuine way of expressing himself, combined with his exquisite one-handed backhand, has long enchanted tennis purists—all while communicating in his native French.
“Clay is in my blood; I grew up watching its specialists and dreaming of playing at Roland Garros,” Wawrinka mentioned in a conversation with French Open officials.
This year marks Wawrinka’s 21st appearance at Roland Garros, where he faces the promising young talent Arthur Fils, seeded 17th, in the opening round.
Fans fondly recall Wawrinka’s remarkable 2015 journey, where he triumphed over Djokovic in the final, having previously defeated Roger Federer in the quarterfinals.
“Honestly, I didn’t step onto the court that year believing I could win,” Wawrinka reflected. “I focused on staying present and discovering my best game, which made it incredibly special—especially in that epic showdown with Novak.”
The unforgettable pink-checkered shorts he donned during that tournament haven’t been forgotten either.
“It seems everyone still talks about those shorts,” Wawrinka quipped post-victory. “I happen to like them; apparently, I’m the only one. They’ll have a place in the Roland Garros museum, so you can see them anytime you want.”
It remains to be seen if those infamous shorts will make a surprise return to the court this year.
“One would have to check with the museum, though I’m not sure if they need a cleaning first,” Wawrinka joked during his pre-tournament press briefing. “I hadn’t given that any thought, but I’ll consider it before Monday.”
