Gael Monfils honored, puts on show in final French Open match - ESPN

PARIS — In front of a near-capacity crowd at Court Philippe-Chatrier that cheered and chanted loudly until the final point, Gael Monfils said au revoir to the French Open with an emotional 6-2, 6-3, 3-6, 2-6, 6-0 loss to Hugo Gaston in the first round Monday night.

After falling into a two-set deficit, Monfils showed flashes of what made him one of the sport's most beloved showmen for over two decades with brilliant shot-making and electrifying athleticism to force a fourth set and then a decider. But in the last set, he simply had nothing left to give, despite the best efforts of nearly everyone in attendance.

Facing match point, the crowd — which included a large section of his family and friends — chanted «Ga-el, Ga-el,» as they had so many times throughout the match. Though he staved off the first match point, he lost on Gaston's second attempt moments later.

When it was over, after 3 hours, 22 minutes, so was Monfils' storied career at Roland Garros. The 39-year-old had previously said this would be his final year on tour, and his last appearance at the tournament.

The fans rose to their feet for an ovation, and after exchanging a hug and congratulatory words, Gaston pointed to Monfils, encouraging the crowd to continue cheering instead of celebrating his victory

An on-court ceremony followed, which included a highlight video featuring many of Monfils' best moments from the tournament, including winning the junior title in 2004 and reaching the semifinals in 2008.

Monfils then addressed the crowd and started by thanking his parents.

«I am here tonight because of those two people,» he said in French.

Monfils, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 6, went on to acknowledge his siblings, the French Tennis Federation