Gael Monfils loses final French Open match to Hugo Gaston

Match and atmosphere After taking a 5-3 lead in the fourth set, Monfils waved to the crowd of nearly 15,000 at Philippe-Chatrier court. Fans responded with repeated "Ga-el, Ga-el" chants and "Staying Alive" played over the loudspeakers. Gaston won the deciding set 6-0. Dozens of spectators wore "Merci Gael" shirts.

Post-match comments Monfils told the crowd the tournament was "unique, exceptional and amazing." Speaking to reporters afterward, he described the evening as "a mixed feeling between happiness, sadness." >"Gael, thank you for everything. For me, you were a true inspiration. A great athlete, but the most important thing, a great person off the court." — Carlos Alcaraz, May 25, 2026 (ESPN)

tributes A video tribute shown after the match featured several players, including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. " Monfils won the junior title at Roland Garros in 2004 and reached his first major semifinal there as a professional.