Gael Monfils Wants to Emulate Ronaldo Longevity Despite Heartbreaking French Open Defeat

Gael Monfils says he is determined to extend his career into his 40s after bowing out of the French Open 2026 in the first round to compatriot Hugo Gaston on Monday.

The 39-year-old was beaten 6-2, 6-3, 3-6, 2-6, 6-0 at Roland Garros in what could prove to be his final appearance at the tournament. Despite the defeat, Monfils made it clear he is not ready to step away from the tour immediately and still hopes to compete through the remainder of the season.

Speaking after the match, Gael Monfils wants to emulate Ronaldo and other veteran athletes who have managed to prolong their careers at the highest level. The former world No. 6 referenced Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James and Stan Wawrinka as examples of athletes who continued performing beyond the age of 40.

“Why do I want to get to the States? Because I want to play until 40. My wish is to be an athlete that plays until 40 years old,” Monfils said.

“Like Stan, LeBron, Cristiano, Evra, like all of the athletes who have managed to continue their sport until the age of 40.”

The French veteran is expected to continue his schedule through the grass and hard-court swing, with plans to play at the Wimbledon Championships and potentially in Montreal before the US Open. He also confirmed he intends to request a wildcard for Flushing Meadows.

Gael says after French Open defeat that managing his body has become increasingly important, particularly on clay courts, where conditions have become more physically demanding in recent years.

“Hopefully Wimbledon. Then need to decide if we go to Washington or not,” he said.

“I think we will ask Montreal, hopefully. I want to say goodbye to Montreal. Obviously I will ask the French Federation to have the U.S. Open wildcard.”

Monfils, a 13-time ATP title winner, reached the semi-finals at Roland Garros in 2008 and was part of several strong Davis Cup campaigns for France during his career.