« Probably the last time » : Monfils bids farewell to Toronto
Gaël Monfils hinted that this might have been his final appearance in the Canadian event. At 37, the Frenchman reflected on his memories in Toronto and acknowledged that time may be catching up with him…
Gael Monfils Toronto 2025 – © Zuma / Psnewz
It wasn’t just a tough loss for Gaël Monfils on Monday night in Toronto. It was also, most likely, a goodbye.
After falling in a dramatic, three-set battle to Chile’s Tomás Barrios Vera (6-4, 4-6, 7-6 [3]), the Frenchman touched the baseline gently with his fingertips before waving to the crowd, leaving the impression that this was more than just another first-round exit.
And in his post-match press conference, Monfils confirmed the emotion behind that gesture: « It was the last time I played here. It’ll be two years before Toronto hosts the event again, and by then I’ll be too old. That’s just how it is. I thought about it as I was leaving the court — it was probably the last time. »
Now 37 years old, Monfils has a long history with the Canadian Masters 1000, and Toronto holds a special place in that story. « I’ve had good moments here. That match against Milos [Raonic], a quarter-final against Jannik [Sinner] two years ago… They’re great memories. But that’s life. It’s natural. »
A tough stretch, but still believing
Monfils’ early exit came with a sting. Not only did he hold four match points — two at 5-4, and two more at 6-5 in the final set — but he also saw them slip away due to a mix of errors and clutch play from his opponent.
The frustration was clear. « No disrespect to my opponent, but that was another poor match from me — not the level I want to play at, » he admitted. « I’ll have to work harder, review this match, and try to get back that winning feeling… Even if it’s not easy, I’m going to keep believing. »
Having won just one match in the past two months, Monfils has now suffered four first-round losses in his last five events. His next stop will be Cincinnati — and with the US Open looming, it may be one of his last big runs on North American hard courts.
