"It’s not easy, I won’t lie to you" - Farewell tour 'emotional' for Gael Monfils as Canadian Open set to honour him

As we head into the second half of the 2026 season, it means that we are closing in on the end of the campaign, tournament by tournament. For most players, the culmination of the season is a chance to rest and refresh ahead of next year. That is not the case for Gael Monfils who is feeling the emotions ahead of his final voyage to the Canadian Open.

The flamboyant Frenchman has so far enjoyed being on court this year, lapping up the crowd as he normally does with his usual sense of freedom and entertainment on court. Despite being 39 years old, he is still competing on the ATP Tour and while his best days are behind him, he is still a treat to watch for many.

However, with his age means that appearances are getting less as his ranking slowly dwindles down. He confirmed at the end of 2025 that this would be his final year on tour and has stuck with it. He is not the only one. The likes of Stan Wawrinka and Kei Nishikori have also confirmed their intentions of departing the sport in 2026, but for many Monfils will hit the hardest.

Having reached a career high of sixth in the world back in 2016, Monfils has enjoyed a brilliant career at the top of tennis. His longevity has seen his career span over two decades. He has clinched a grand total of 13 ATP titles from 35 final appearances, never securing a triumph over ATP 500 level though.

He made it to three Masters 1000 finals, two on home soil in the Paris Masters back in 2009 and 2010, and is a two-time Grand Slam semi-finalist.

Tennis is set to make the trip to North America once more for a period. In a couple of weeks, Masters 1000 action will return with the Canadian Open taking the centre of attention. Monfils secured a wildcard for the event held in Montreal this time around, with it taking place from August 2-16.

He first featured in the tournament back in 2008, reaching the quarter-final in 2011 before a brace of semi-final runs in 2016 and 2019 mark the last times he reached that stage in this level of competition.

Speaking on the Salut Bonjour show ahead of the tournament commencing at the start of August, Monfils was delighted to be back in Montreal and excited to get going. "First of all, I am really very happy and I thank the tournament once again for giving me this opportunity," he said. "Because Montreal is a city that I have always loved, a city where I have always felt very, very good.

“[It’s] an exceptional crowd, playing conditions that suit me well, and above all, memorable matches. And for me, being able to say a final goodbye to the Montreal crowd is simply exceptional.”

Many fans will remember Monfils for all the right reasons. He may not have the trophy catalogue of other top sensations in the sport, but his popularity is something that cannot be bought, only earned through years of showmanship and brilliant performances.

“I was very lucky to have so much love from the public," he admitted. "Of course, it’s something I would have a hard time explaining, but the public did so much for me in my career. They supported me and above all gave me energy like I never could have imagined having.”

Whenever his final match may be, Monfils will be forced to stick around after for a period of time. He will be honoured with a small farewell ceremony. This was announced to him after being contacted by the event director, Valérie Tétreault. "It's clear that over the years, Monfils has developed a special connection with Montreal," she said.

It will be another tournament that Monfils will play at for the last time. Already so many iconic events have come and gone, including Roland Garros, and now the Canadian Open is next on the list. Ever the professional, Monfils is focused on the task at hand although the emotions can take its toll.

“It’s not easy, I won’t lie to you,” Monfils acknowledged. “There are a lot of emotions, a lot of moments where you think too much about what comes next. It’s hard to stay truly calm. When I say calm, it’s because you always want to do more or even come back.”