France, Jan. 20 -- Monfils, who announced in October that 2026 would be his last season on the ATP tour, went down to the Australian qualifier Dane Sweeny 6-7, 7-5, 6-4, 7-5.

Following a four-hour epic, tournament director Craig Tiley stepped out onto the Kia Arena at Melbourne Park and embraced Monfils.

"On behalf of all the Australian fans I want to thank you for not only an unbelievable career but for your spirit, for your attitude and for teaching us how to play this beautiful game. Well done."

France's top female tennis player Boisson pulls out of Australian Open

Monfils, 39, is only one of six men to have played 20 times at the season's first Grand Slam tournament since tennis was opened to professionals in 1968.

"My journey at...