French tennis star Gael Monfils has waved an emotional final goodbye to the Australian Open, marking the end of a remarkable two-decade journey at the Melbourne tournament. The 39-year-old, known as one of the sport's great entertainers, was defeated in a gripping first-round match by Australian qualifier Dane Sweeny on Tuesday 20 January 2026.
A Grand Slam Journey Concludes in Melbourne
This year marked Monfils's 20th appearance in the Australian Open main draw, a journey that began back in 2005 after his junior debut in 2003. His final match was a classic, hard-fought Monfils battle, lasting nearly four hours. Despite struggling physically between points, he showcased his trademark terrific shot-making, threatening a comeback before ultimately falling to the world No. 182.
The final scoreline read 6-7 (3), 7-5, 6-4, 7-5 in favour of Sweeny. This loss stands in contrast to Monfils's impressive run just a year prior, where he became the oldest man to reach the fourth round since Roger Federer, a campaign that included a victory over fourth seed Taylor Fritz.
An Emotional Thank You to the Crowd
Following the match, a visibly moved Monfils addressed the Rod Laver Arena crowd, which included his wife, fellow tennis professional Elina Svitolina. He reflected on his long history with the tournament and its fans.
"My journey started in 2003 with you guys. Now we are in 2026 and somehow it is the finish line but, wow, thank you so much," he said. "I've got a lot of, a lot of great memories here. A couple of big battles, quarters, fourth round... You guys made an amazing job."
He expressed profound gratitude for his career, stating, "I've been very grateful. I've been very lucky to play here for many years." The two-time Australian Open quarter-finalist also showed immense sportsmanship, congratulating his victorious opponent at the net and wishing him luck for the future.
Sweeny Seizes a Career-Defining Victory
For 24-year-old Dane Sweeny, the match represented the biggest win of his career. The home qualifier secured his first-ever main draw victory at a Grand Slam, propelling him into the second round of the Australian Open. Monfils acknowledged Sweeny's own challenging journey back from injury, highlighting the poignant passing of the torch between generations.
While this was Monfils's final Australian Open, he will complete the remainder of the 2026 season before retiring from professional tennis, closing the curtain on an era defined by athleticism, flair, and unforgettable entertainment.
