Gael Monfils once again pulled out a miraculous comeback but this time fell short of completing the job as he lost 6-2 6-3 3-6 2-6 6-0 to Hugo Gaston.
An emotional evening awaited. Gael Monfils has long entertained and excited crowds at Roland Garros for two decades and the much-anticipated Court Philippe-Chatrier was hoping this wouldn’t be the end.
Awaiting him on the other side of the net was rather fittingly just as crazy in his approach in the form of Hugo Gaston.
Entertainment wasn’t lacking but Gaston was determined to spoil the party with his incredible dropshots and aggressive return positioning.
There was a lack of energy about Monfils to start off with as he easily lost the opening set and even a break of serve couldn’t spark his game into life.
Not even a tweener exchange could wake Monfils up as Gaston went two sets up and was determined to reach the second round.
However, if you have been following Roland Garros long enough you would soon realise that this match was far from over.
Your assumptions would be correct, Monfils eventually got himself back on track and broke for a 5-3 lead to the roar of the Roland Garros crowd.
An incredible hold of serve was followed up by a peak version of Monfils who rattled through the fourth set and in typical Monfils fashion levelled this match up at two sets all.
This was the final gasp of hope for Monfils though as his body had failed him this time despite the hotshots and explosive serving.
Finally, 20 years of tennis caught up to his 39 year-old body and Gaston took advantage by winning six games in a row to seal a place in the second round.
The perfect farewell had reached its climax and there couldn’t be a match that summed up Monfils’ Roland Garros career more perfectly.
Ultimately, Monfils was beaten and now a smooth farewell tour awaits before bringing the show to a close.
As for Gaston a contest against Francisco Cerundolo is next.
