Gaƫl Monfils took his final bow on the Monte Carlo clay on Tuesday, losing 6-4, 6-4 to eighth-seeded Alexander Bublik in the second round. The 39-year-old Frenchman is currently playing out the string on a farewell tour that concludes at the end of the 2026 season, bringing an eventual close to a two-decade career that redefined tennis athleticism.
Alexander Bublik Enjoys Full-Circle Moment After Defeating Gaƫl Monfils in Monte Carlo
Bublik didn’t just advance to the round of 16. He closed a massive chapter in Monfilsā history. The Kazakhstani star fired off four aces to keep Monfils from gaining any real traction.
For the French veteran, it was a bittersweet return to the exact courts where he made his tournament debut over two decades ago against Rafael Nadal. He entered Tuesday fully aware that his ranking, which currently sits outside the top 200, no longer dictates his motivation. Monfils is simply making the rounds, visiting his favorite venues one last time before hanging up his racket.
He announced his impending retirement last October, telling the tennis world he was at peace with stepping away at age 40. Monfils peaked at No. 6 in the world back in 2016, racking up 13 ATP titles and consistently thrilling crowds with acrobatic shot-making that no other player would even attempt.
He reached the semifinals at Roland Garros in 2008 and at the US Open in 2016, cementing his status as a major threat during the sport’s greatest era.
The post-match handshake provided the afternoonās best moment. Bublik and Monfils shared a long embrace at the net, exchanging a story that tied their careers together. Exactly 10 years ago to the day, an 18-year-old Bublik served as Monfils’ practice partner at this very tournament.
Full Circle Moment š„¹š®
Exactly 10 years on from being a hitting partner with Monfils at Monte-Carlo, Bublik ends the Frenchman’s career at the #RolexMonteCarloMasters https://t.co/uA0PhvWf7k pic.twitter.com/cgjszwkihX
ā Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 7, 2026
Bublik reminded the veteran of the advice Monfils gave him a decade ago. Monfils immediately remembered the exchange, replying across the net, “I told you grass is not your main, here is your main! Remember that.”
Bublik then told the media that he was honored to share the court with the Frenchman in his final appearance at the Masters 1000 event. The 28-year-old noted that Monfils is an incredible champion and expressed gratitude for being a small part of his lengthy career.
“This match was not about me. Itās farewell to Gael. An amazing career, and amazing champion, and Iām happy to be part of it,” he told reporters at the end of the match.
Bublik will now face either Jiri Lehecka or Alejandro Tabilo in the third round.
