With a Master’s degree in sports journalism, I fell in love with tennis from a young age and have always enjoyed reading the beautiful stories of this sport. Today, I aim to share those stories, fully immerse myself in my passion, and stay close to the stars of the circuit.
At 38, Gaël Monfils remains on the brink of the top 50, but he will not compete in the final Masters 1000 of the year at Bercy. The French player, unfortunately plagued by injury, has pulled out despite receiving a wildcard for the main draw. The former tournament runner-up will miss this legendary event, which is set to host its last edition at Accor Arena, 20 years after his first participation.
Even at 38, Monfils is still capable of delivering an impressive level of play. This week, he was close to breaking into the top 50, but with his ongoing struggles, he won’t be able to showcase his talents on home soil this week. In a heartfelt message posted on Instagram, he reflected on his journey with the Rolex Paris Masters, as the tournament prepares to relocate next year.
Monfils was only 18 in 2004 when he took his first steps at the Rolex Paris Masters. At that time, the Parisian managed to navigate through the qualifiers and win a match before bowing out honorably against then-world number 2 Lleyton Hewitt. This marked the beginning of a beautiful relationship with the tournament where he came close to victory in both 2009 and 2010, finishing as a finalist against and Robin Söderling respectively. “Today, I am sad that I won’t be able to play in this final edition at Bercy, even sadder that it will be the last at Palais Omnisports. Between Bercy and me, it’s a special story. I grew up there, I dreamed in the stands, I played in two finals, defeated Federer for the first time, and felt an incredible energy from the crowd,” he reminisced.
For the final edition at Accor Arena, Gaël Monfils will unfortunately not be in attendance. “Thank you all and thank you to this iconic venue that has given me so much. Goodbye, Bercy. Thank you. I look forward to embarking on this new adventure in this new arena next year,” he concluded in his message. In 2025, the tournament will relocate to La Défense Arena, which is better equipped to host an event of this magnitude.
Gaël Monfils’ career is an enduring story of passion, resilience, and crowd-pleasing athleticism that has captivated tennis fans worldwide for nearly two decades. Known for his electrifying playstyle, Monfils, often called “La Monf,” has always been more than just a player; he’s a showman, a crowd favorite, and, above all, a beloved figure in French tennis. Despite a career beset by injuries, Monfils’ commitment to the game and his love for his fans have kept him pushing boundaries, even as he approaches his late thirties. As he misses the final edition of the Rolex Paris Masters at Accor Arena, we look back at his extraordinary relationship with this event and what the future holds.
Monfils’ journey with the Rolex Paris Masters began in 2004 when he was only 18 years old, a fresh-faced teenager with big dreams and boundless energy. He fought his way through the qualifying rounds, showcasing raw talent, and immediately caught the attention of the Parisian crowd. He even won a main-draw match before eventually falling to then-world number 2 Lleyton Hewitt. Monfils’ bold style and his ability to go toe-to-toe with the best in the world hinted at a bright future, and that first experience in Bercy would mark the beginning of a special relationship with the tournament that would define much of his career.
It was not just a debut; it was the first chapter of a deep connection between Monfils and the Paris Masters. His fearless athleticism and charismatic personality won over fans, and as the years passed, he would become a regular fixture at this prestigious event, thrilling crowds with his acrobatic style and unbreakable fighting spirit.
Monfils’ Finals Runs and Signature Wins
Throughout his career, Monfils has experienced many moments of glory and heartbreak on the court at Bercy. His first final came in 2009, a landmark year that saw him rise through the ranks and establish himself as one of France’s top players. Monfils put on a show, wowing spectators with a dazzling array of tricks, spins, and dives, each move infused with his trademark energy. Although he ultimately fell to Novak Djokovic in the final, Monfils had left an indelible mark on the tournament and firmly embedded himself in the hearts of French fans.
The following year, he reached the final again, this time facing Robin Söderling. It was another emotional rollercoaster, filled with high-octane rallies and remarkable displays of athleticism. Monfils once again came up short, but his charisma and connection with the crowd were undeniable. He may not have won the title, but he had won the hearts of everyone in attendance, adding yet another memorable chapter to his story at the Paris Masters.
One of Monfils’ most significant victories at Bercy came in 2010, when he defeated Roger Federer, marking his first win over the Swiss maestro. The win was emblematic of Monfils’ ability to rise to the occasion and perform on the biggest stages, particularly in front of his home crowd. The energy from the fans that day was electric, and Monfils fed off it, putting on a performance that remains etched in the memories of everyone who watched. This victory against Federer was a career highlight for Monfils, cementing his status as one of France’s most beloved players.
The Battle with Injuries
Injuries have been an unfortunate theme in Monfils’ career, often preventing him from achieving the consistency he needed to break into the very top tier of men’s tennis. His athletic, high-risk playstyle, which involves frequent dives and intense physical exertion, has undoubtedly contributed to the wear and tear on his body. Yet, each time he has been knocked down by injury, Monfils has found a way to come back, driven by his love for the sport and the joy he brings to his fans.
Even as he nears 40, Monfils continues to push himself, displaying flashes of his former brilliance on the court. This year, despite battling injuries, he came close to breaking into the top 50 again, demonstrating the same resilience that has defined his career. His decision to withdraw from the final edition of the Rolex Paris Masters at Accor Arena due to an injury is disappointing for his fans, but it is also a testament to his commitment to his health and longevity in the game.
A Heartfelt Farewell to Bercy
Monfils’ recent Instagram post announcing his withdrawal from this year’s tournament was filled with nostalgia and emotion. He expressed sadness at missing the final edition at Bercy and reflected on the journey he has shared with this venue over the years. “Between Bercy and me, it’s a special story,” he wrote, reminiscing about his early days, his two finals appearances, and the unforgettable energy of the crowd. His words resonated deeply with fans who have followed his career and felt the same bittersweet emotions as they, too, say goodbye to this iconic venue.
Monfils’ love for the Rolex Paris Masters goes beyond the results and the wins. It’s about the memories, the experiences, and the bond he has formed with French fans who have cheered him on every step of the way. The relationship between Monfils and Bercy is one of mutual respect and admiration, with Monfils always giving his best for the fans, and the fans, in turn, providing him with the support and energy he thrives on.
A New Beginning at La Défense Arena
In 2025, the Rolex Paris Masters will move to La Défense Arena, a larger, more modern venue capable of accommodating even more fans. This move marks a new chapter for the tournament, promising to bring fresh excitement and possibilities. For Monfils, who has been a part of the tournament’s history at Bercy for two decades, the transition is symbolic of his own journey in tennis—moving forward while cherishing the past.
While the new venue will undoubtedly offer a different experience, the legacy that Monfils and other players have created at Bercy will not be forgotten. For Monfils, it’s a chance to start anew, perhaps to create new memories at La Défense Arena and, who knows, even make another deep run in front of a Parisian crowd.
As Monfils nears the end of his career, his legacy in French tennis is already secure. He may not have won the Rolex Paris Masters, but his impact on the tournament and on French tennis is undeniable. He has inspired a generation of young players with his unique style and fearless approach, and his charisma and connection with the fans have made him a legend in his own right. Monfils embodies the spirit of French tennis—passionate, dynamic, and endlessly entertaining.
In a sport that often prizes consistency and discipline, Monfils has been a breath of fresh air, a player who plays with his heart on his sleeve and never fails to entertain. As he bids farewell to Bercy and looks forward to the next chapter, fans around the world will remember the incredible moments he has given them and the joy he has brought to the game.
While it’s unclear how many more years Monfils will continue to play, one thing is certain: he will leave a lasting impact on the sport he loves. And as the Rolex Paris Masters prepares to enter a new era, Monfils’ legacy at this tournament will remain, a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between a player and his fans.