Gaël Monfils received an emotional send-off at the Paris Masters on Tuesday, November 3, as fans gathered to pay tribute to the recently retired French player. The ceremony took place during the tournament’s night session at the Plénitude Arena in Nanterre.
The arena had been only half full for the second-round match between American Ben Shelton and Briton Cameron Norrie. About 15 minutes earlier, however, spectators had streamed in for Monfils’s farewell, leaving the 17,500-seat venue almost full.
The crowd saw “Thank you, Gaël” messages around the stadium and on a large banner bearing his image. Fans also sang along to a tribute displayed on the central court’s big screen. Ceremony host Marc Maury described Monfils as one of tennis’s most spectacular players, while the tribute also reflected the affection he had earned for his charisma and generosity on court.
Sources: Le Monde Sport.