PARIS—Roland Garros kicked off its farewell festivities to a beloved hero on Thursday, as Gael Monfils took center stage inside Court Philippe Chatrier for an evening celebrating a professional career spanning more than two decades.
Several stars from both the ATP and WTA Tours turned out to make “Gael & Friends” as memorable as possible. Wife Elina Svitolina was welcomed first by Monfils, before the likes of 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic and four-time Grand Slam title holder Naomi Osaka emerged on court, along with retired home favorites Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Richard Gasquet.
But perhaps the standout highlight of the evening was a bromance on display between the man of the hour and world No. 1 Jannik Sinner. Their friendship lit up the camera, both on the sidelines and when the two faced each other across the net in a friendly mixed doubles match.
Some of our favorite moments from the extravaganza, leading into Monfils’ 19th and final appearance at his home major: