Gael Monfils and Stan Wawrinka are both set to retire from their respective playing careers at the end of this year.
Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam champion, contested his final Roland Garros match on Monday against Dutchman Jesper de Jong.
Later in the day, Gael Monfils was defeated by Hugo Gaston, ending the 39-year-old’s journey on the Parisian red clay.
Gael Monfils has played his final match at Roland Garros… but what will you remember most about this great showman? 🪄
Both Wawrinka and Monfils have received heartfelt messages from their peers, with Rafael Nadal describing Wawrinka’s career as ‘unforgettable’.
Wawrinka and Monfils, who have both achieved so much in their respective careers, both made their Roland Garros main draw debuts 21 years ago.
Stan Wawrinka and Gael Monfils’ Roland Garros debuts
After losing in the first round of qualifying in 2004, Gael Monfils competed in the 2005 main draw after receiving a wildcard.
Unfortunately for Monfils, he was defeated by ninth seed Guillermo Canas, 3-6, 1-6, 0-6.
A year later, Monfils won his first match at Roland Garros.
The youngster, seeded 25th in Paris, defeated Andy Murray, Dick Norman and James Blake on his way to the fourth round.
There, he was defeated by Novak Djokovic in straight sets.
Like Monfils, Stan Wawrinka also lost in the first round of qualifying at the 2004 French Open.
Stan Wawrinka is OUT of Roland Garros… where does he rank amongst the all-time greats? 🐐
Wawrinka returned to the event a year later and won on his main draw debut.
The youngster, who came through qualifying, defeated 25th seed Nicolas Massu 6-7, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.
Wawrinka then defeated James Blake 6-7, 5-7, 6-1, 6-3, 6-4.
Wawrinka then lost to eventual finalist Mariano Puerta, 6-1, 3-6, 1-6, 4-6.
Gael Monfils discusses his impact on the next generation
“My bucket list is full,” Monfils said during his post-match press conference on Monday.
The only thing that I had I think is, 99.9 per cent it was just to lift this trophy.
“But the rest is… I made everything, you know, I think Roland Garros gave me anything that I ever dream, wish, work for. So, I’m just like here, very grateful and very blessed with where I am.
He later added: “If I inspired some players, of course I know some young kids – they like my style, the way I play, the way I move.
“For the black community to also see someone on the Tour – I think it was important.
“And then of course, I think I inspired some black players to say ‘yeah, they can make it.’
