Match the Reaction
Monfils bids farewell to Madrid: ‘We are not giving up’
The Frenchman lost to Ugo Carabelli on Thursday
April 23, 2026
Mutua Madrid Open
Gael Monfils says goodbye to the Madrid crowd on Thursday.
By ATP staff
Gael Monfils’ last appearance at the Mutua Madrid Open ended in straight sets defeat on Thursday when he lost 3-6, 4-6 to Camilo Ugo Carabelli in the first round.
Earlier, the Frenchman’s wife, WTA star Elina Svitolina, also lost her opening match in Madrid. It was not the end Monfils had hoped for. But despite the disappointment, the 39-year-old kept his vision, leaving the Spanish capital filled with a strong sense of gratitude.
“It’s not the best day for the Monfils family today,” the Frenchman told X. “It’s a difficult game for me, I would like to do better in my last Madrid.
“15th time competing here, many thanks to @MutuaMadridOpen for all these years and for giving me the opportunity to come back.”
Monfils’ best runs at Caja Magica came in 2008 and 2010, when he reached the quarter-finals, falling to eventual champions Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal, respectively. The former World No. 6 finished his Madrid career with a tournament record of 16-14, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index, against each member of the ‘Big Four’.
Despite losing on Thursday, Monfils has already changed his focus. The 13-time tour number one shared his excitement about returning to Roland Garros, which starts next month.
“Now I will do everything to get to Roland Garros in the best possible shape,” he wrote. “J-31, I can’t wait to share this unique moment with you.
“I’ve seen a few messages, thank you for being there even on tough days like today – it really touches me. Let’s not stop.”
