ATP Tour

Monfils to crowd after last Australian Open match: ‘Thanks for this amazing ride’

Gael Monfils shared an emotional moment with fans Tuesday at the Australian Open after his final appearance at the hard-court major came to a close.

Home qualifier Dane Sweeny overcame the Frenchman 6-7(3), 7-5, 6-4, 7-5 inside Kia Arena, where the 39-year-old Monfils was then invited to address the crowd by tournament director Craig Tiley.

“First of all, thank you so much. For me, my journey here with you guys started in 2003, when I came here for the first time,” said Monfils, who has confirmed that he will retire at the end of the season. “Now we are in 2026 and somehow it is the finish line but thank you so much for this amazing ride. You have been unbelievable, so thank you so much.”

Australia will miss you, @Gael_Monfils 🫡@AustralianOpen | #AO26 pic.twitter.com/hbneVHxQmO

— ATP Tour (@atptour) January 20, 2026

Monfils will finish his career with a 37-20 record at Melbourne Park, where his best results were quarter-final runs in 2016 and 2022.

“I’ve got a lot of great memories here. A couple of big battles. Quarters, fourth round, even today was almost four hours,” said the former No. 6 in the PIF ATP Rankings. “For Dane, you guys did an amazing job [supporting him]. I read his story. This kid got hurt, so I really wish [him] good luck for the next one, because he is playing very good. Good luck to him.

“I am very grateful. I’ve been very lucky to play here for many years, so lastly thank you very much, merci beaucoup, a bientot les amis (thank you very much, see you soon, friends)."