Monfils bids emotional farewell at Paris Masters, recalls split from Svitolina

Gael Monfils made an emotional public appearance at the Paris Masters in Nanterre on Tuesday, his first since announcing his separation from wife Elina Svitolina. He was welcomed by Gilles Moretton, president of the French Tennis Federation, and tournament director Cedric Pioline, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd.

The 40-year-old former world No. 6 retired quietly from tennis in early October after removing himself from anti-doping protocols. He admitted that he initially thought it would be impossible to say goodbye in front of spectators during such an emotionally charged moment.

“Thanks to you I was able to live my dream.”

Monfils dedicated much of his speech to his four-year-old daughter Skai, saying she wanted him to talk about her because he did not mention her enough. He recounted how she told him she wanted to become a tennis champion one day.

He also made a discreet reference to Svitolina, Skai's mother, noting that exactly eight years had passed since he began his relationship with her. Monfils said he had gone through a difficult personal period and thanked those who helped him overcome his fears.

The ceremony included a video retrospective of his most spectacular career moments, highlighting his athleticism and acrobatic playing style. Monfils thanked his coaches and family for their support throughout his professional journey.

In his address, he told fans in Paris and those watching from home that thanks to them he was able to live his dream. He described the Parisian crowd as wonderful and said it was not easy to bid farewell to what the arena had given him.