sports
The legacy of French star Gael Monfils
Key takeaways
- The fans didn't need the reminder -- but they obliged all the same.
- Moments later, he forced a deciding set against Hugo Gaston.
- It seemed, thanks yet again to his signature, high-energy style and astounding shotmaking -- that he had found magic at Roland Garros one more time.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
Dan Istitene/Getty Images D'Arcy Maine Multiple Authors May 25, 2026, 10:16 PM ETEmail Print Open Extended Reactions PARIS -- After taking a 5-3 lead in the fourth set with a forehand winner, Gael Monfils waved his arms to the devoted crowd of nearly 15,000 at Philippe-Chatrier court, encouraging them to cheer.
The fans didn't need the reminder -- but they obliged all the same.
Moments later, he forced a deciding set against Hugo Gaston. There were "Ga-el, Ga-el" cheers, as had been heard throughout the steamy Parisian evening, and "Staying Alive" blared on the stadium loudspeaker. Dozens of "Merci Gael" shirts could be seen throughout the stands.
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