Gael Monfils confirms 'I won't be able to play' after emotional Canadian Open gesture

Gael Monfils bowed out of the Canadian Open in Toronto

Gael Monfils has confirmed that he made his final appearance in Toronto after blowing four match points at the Canadian Open. The former world No. 6 was sent packing by Tomas Barrios Vera, who had never won a match at Masters 1000 before, and had an emotional moment on the court as he walked off. The 38-year-old waved goodbye to the fans and touched the baseline after bowing out in the first round, and then hinted retirement could be on the way as he said it was his last time playing in the city. The Canadian Open alternates between Toronto and Montreal each year, and Monfils said he “won’t be able to play” in 2027. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

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“It was the last time I play in Toronto, for sure, yeah,” he said after suffering a brutal 6-4 4-6 7-6(3) defeat to Barrios Vera despite having four match points in the third set. Reflecting on his heartfelt gesture on the centre court, the Frenchman added: “There's no explanation, you know, it's the last one. “It will be two years to play in Toronto, so pretty much I won't be able to play it. Obviously I think the next one is too old for me, so I think it was the last time I play here. “So, you know, I actually thought at the end, and I was like, Well, I think it's, unfortunately, but the last time I think I would play here.”

Gael Monfils bent down to touch the court and waved goodbye to the fans after losing in Toronto

Monfils has reached two Canadian Open semi-finals, one in Toronto and one in Montreal. Sharing his memories of the tournament, he said: “In Toronto, I think I played a semi-final here, had a great year here, great run. “I remember a great match against Milos [Raonic], a few other great matches here. Even two years ago I played quarter-final with Jannik [Sinner], it was a quite high level. But then it was too far. I remember I think I played Radek Stepanek, it was quite fun. “I mean, I had fun matches in Toronto since I played here. So, it's something, but at the end of the day, you know, it is natural and normal.” Monfils may be in the twilight of his career, but he’s still making waves. At the start of the season, he became the oldest champion in ATP Tour history since records began in 1990, winning the ASB Classic in Auckland.

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