All good things must come to an end, as Monfils bows out of Paris 2024 | ITF
Article 30 Jul 2024

All good things must come to an end, as Monfils bows out of Paris 2024

Romain Vinot

30 Jul 2024

Competing together in doubles for the first time in their long careers, Gael Monfils, 37, and 40-year-old Edouard Roger-Vasselin lost in the second round of the men’s doubles on Tuesday to No. 2 seeds Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz of Germany 6-3 6-1. The French defeat marks the end of the Olympic adventures of ‘La Monf’, which began in Beijing in 2008.

On Tuesday, from 4:30 pm to 5:45 pm, no matter where you were in the Roland Garros stadium, you could vibrate to the rhythm of the points scored by the French duo. The pairing was formed at the last minute, with Monfils called to the rescue to compensate for Fabien Reboul's withdrawal.

Monfils, a two-time Grand Slam semi-finalist, did not hide his pleasure and confided that he was in tune with his teammate after their brilliant victory in the first round against Indians Nsriram Balaji and Rohan Bopanna.

"Edouard is the leader, I serve where he wants, I do what he wants on the court… If I carry out his instructions correctly, it can be difficult to play! I take up space, I'm not one-armed at the net either."

However, despite very good intentions and the unfailing support of the spectators on Court 14, the French team lacked the harmony and tactical intelligence to really destabilize doubles specialists Puetz and Krawietz. Alongside Andreas Mies, Krawietz was Roland Garros doubles champion in 2019 and 2020.

Dominated at the baseline but also at the net, Les Bleus were disappointed with the score, as they converted only one break point out of nine opportunities. "When we came out of the match, we thought that the score was harsh even if they clearly dominated the match, congratulations to them," said Roger-Vasselin.

“After a defeat like that, it's obviously difficult to take stock. We had a great win in the first round and again today, the atmosphere was incredible, and I'll never forget it. I was a little sad that I couldn't offer a closer battle for the spectators."

While keeping an eye on the television in the interview area – to watch the end of the match between his wife Elina Svitolina of Ukraine and the Czech Barbora Krejcikova – Monfils also tried to take stock of his fourth Olympiad.

"Unfortunately, I didn't have the best Olympics possible, a bit like in Tokyo. I had the same results here, a loss in the first round in singles and in the second round in doubles. You always want to win more games, but I came up against stronger opponents, no matter the event. But in terms of atmosphere, the French public was extraordinary, as always. They carried us, they were generous and that's something fabulous."

Monfils, a quarter-finalist at Beijiing 2008 and Rio 2016, is adored all over the world for his spectacular play, his showman's attitude and his desire to win. He knows that he is getting closer to the end of his career. Just like his very good friend Stan Wawrinka – eliminated in singles earlier in the day by Alexei Popyrin – he undoubtedly said goodbye to the Olympic Games today.

For him, the 2024 edition was rich in emotions and nostalgia.

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