“I’m thrilled to be back one last time”: Gael Monfils receives Canadian Open wildcard in farewell season

Saturday, 04 July 2026 at 04:30

Gael Monfils has been awarded a main draw wildcard for the Canadian Open in Montreal, adding another stop to what is already confirmed as the final season of his professional career. The Frenchman, now 39, is preparing for a farewell tour across the ATP calendar, with the North American hard-court swing emerging as a central stage for his final appearances.

The announcement was made by Tennis Canada, confirming Monfils’ inclusion in the 2026 edition of the Montreal event, which runs from 1 to 13 August at IGA Stadium. The wildcard ensures his return to a tournament where he has built a long competitive history spanning more than a decade and a half.

Monfils’ entry comes shortly after the Canadian Open also confirmed a wildcard for Venus Williams in Toronto, underlining how the opening phase of the North American swing is already taking shape with several high-profile veteran names involved. The Montreal and Toronto events form the first major hard-court stretch after the grass season.

The Canadian Open represents the first Masters 1000 event of the North American hard-court swing leading into the US Open, and the first major hard-court tournament since the Miami Open in March, before the tour shifted through clay and grass segments over the past months.

Monfils extends farewell tour with final Montreal appearance

Monfils’ participation marks his 15th appearance at the Canadian Open and his eighth in Montréal specifically, where he has built a strong historical record. Over his career, he has compiled a 24–13 win-loss record at the tournament, including deep runs that reflect both consistency and longevity at the event.

Now ranked No. 226, Monfils remains one of the most recognisable figures on tour despite a significant ranking decline in recent seasons. He has collected 13 ATP singles titles and has long been associated with a highly expressive playing style that has made him a fan favourite in North America.

The French player previously announced that the 2026 season would be his final year on tour, positioning this wildcard as part of a structured farewell circuit. Montréal, where he first competed in 2009, will therefore serve as one of the last opportunities for local fans to see him in competitive action.

Monfils prepares for his retirement in 2026

Emotional return as Monfils reflects on Montreal connection

Monfils expressed clear emotional attachment to the city and the tournament, highlighting both the longevity of his relationship with the event and the support he has received from local fans since his debut.

“I’m thrilled to have received a main draw wild card for the Canadian Open in Montréal. I made my debut here in 2009, and over the years I’ve experienced some of the most memorable moments of my career in this city.”

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He also emphasised the significance of returning for a final appearance in front of a crowd he described as among the most supportive on tour, framing the wildcard as a chance to close a long chapter in a familiar setting.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to come back one last time to play in front of the Montréal fans, who are some of the best in the world, and thank them for all the support they’ve shown me over the years.”

Monfils has made 14 appearances at the Canadian Open so far, holding a 24–13 record. He has reached the semifinals twice, falling to Novak Djokovic in 2016 and to Rafael Nadal in 2019. His most recent strong run at the tournament came in 2023, when he reached the quarter-finals before losing to Jannik Sinner. Interestingly, in each of those campaigns, the player who eliminated Monfils went on to win the title.

Gaël Monfils at Canadian Open (record 24-13)

Year	Round Reached
2008	R64
2009	R32
2010	R16
2011	QF
2014	R32
2015	R32
2016	SF
2017	R16
2019	SF
2021	QF
2022	R16
2023	QF
2024	R64
2025	R128

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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