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.
