Paris, May 26 -- The crowd were nostalgic, they had long hoped for one final burst of madness, one last stunning twist at the end of the night.
The many spectators on Court Philippe-Chatrier had cheered, sung and shouted for Gael Monfils. But at the end of a night as intense as it was emotional, "La Monf'" laid down his racket, falling in five sets to Hugo Gaston (6-2, 6-3, 3-6, 2-6, 6-0).
"I would like to thank you all. Every year, when I come to play at Roland-Garros, I get chills. Every time I'm here, it's magical, it's something incredible. I created something strong, unique, exceptional with you, and I truly love you. I'm going to miss you all so much, and I want to saya huge thank you from the bottom of my heart," declared an emotio...