Gael Monfils’ 21-year Australian Open career came to an end on Tuesday after the popular Frenchman was ousted in a four-set battle.
The 39-year-old was beaten 6-7 (3), 7-5, 6-4, 7-5 by home player Dane Sweeny in a closely contested encounter that lasted almost four hours. Despite being one of the oldest players in this year’s tournament, Monfils fought until the end by saving 14 out of 19 break points faced but he only managed to convert two out of 11 of his own opportunities.
“It was a great atmosphere. I know Dane is a very good player, loves playing with the crowd. The crowd loves him. On top of that, there were great rallies.” Monfils reflected during his press conference.
“It was a beautiful French community, as well. Super nice to play in those conditions.”
Monfils bows out of Melbourne Park having won 37 matches during his career, which is the joint-highest in the Open Era by a Frenchman. The only other player to reach this tally is Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Monfils has reached the quarter-finals twice in 2016 and 2022. Overall, he has won 130 matches at Grand Slams, which is an Open Era record for men’s tennis in his country.
“I really like it here because it was for me one of my first trips,” he said.
“I have a lot of great memories in juniors, 2003, 2004. I had especially great memories with tough battles here.
“I really enjoy my ride here.”
Monfils, whose wife Elena Svitolina is seeded 12th in the women’s draw, announced last October that 2026 will be his final year on the Tour. A former world No.6, he has won 13 titles during his career and earned more than $24.5M in prize money. He has twice finished a season in the year-end Top 10 in 2016 and 2019, as well as eight times in the year-end Top 20.
Monfils isn’t the only player playing in their last Australian Open this year, with Stan Wawrinka also doing so. The Swiss player won his first round match by beating Laslo Djere 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4).
Monfils’ Australian Open record
| Year | Round Reached |
| 2005 | Second Round |
| 2006 | First Round |
| 2007 | Third Round |
| 2008 | Absent (Injury) |
| 2009 | Fourth Round (Retired) |
| 2010 | Third Round |
| 2011 | Third Round |
| 2012 | Third Round |
| 2013 | First Round |
| 2014 | Second Round |
| 2015 | Fourth Round |
| 2016 | Quarterfinals |
| 2017 | Fourth Round |
| 2018 | Third Round |
| 2019 | Third Round |
| 2020 | Fourth Round |
| 2021 | First Round |
| 2022 | Quarterfinals |
| 2023 | Absent (Injury) |
| 2024 | First Round |
| 2025 | Fourth Round |
| 2026 | First Round |
