A Letter to Monfils from Montreal: Thanks for Everything Gaël

Dear Gaël,

Two years ago, you let us know that Montreal held a special place in your heart. 

Now, it’s our turn to let you know that the feeling is mutual and we’re thrilled that you chose to make the National Bank Open a stop on your farewell tour. But, before we say good-bye and reach the end, let’s go back to the start.

Making a first appearance in 2009 at 22 years old, a win came against Marat Safin, doing what you always do: quality shot making mixed with your trademark flair. At one point, the crowd erupted when a rally under the lights produced the splits. Two years later in 2011, a duel with Viktor Troicki went to the wire. Do you remember dropping your racquet against the Serb — before you kept on running? Because we do. It was one of your five Montreal contests that stretched to a final set tiebreak. You always pushed your tennis and your body to the limit, sometimes defying the laws of physics to produce a style of play that was all your own. 

READ: Nadal, Raonic, Lendl: Recent History at the NBO

Then, who could forget those four straight match points saved against Kei Nishikori in 2017 on a Rogers Court packed to the brim. One in particular, where you ran for miles then delivered a backhand that went your way, stood out. They didn’t all go in your favour — Gilles Muller edged you out in a 2015 thriller that gripped fans from start to finish. But we remember you ripping a forehand almost from the stands. We were even treated to a match against Novak Djokovic in 2016, you always spoiled us, even in defeat. 

Seventeen years after we were first introduced, the time has come to say good-bye. Thank you for all the spectacular moments, for your kindness, your generosity, and for sharing your passion for our city and for tennis with us. Maybe one day you can share your Montreal memories with daughter Skai. Don’t be a stranger, come back and visit, we promise we’re always having lots of fun, even when the tournament isn’t on. 

Merci pour tout Gael. For being the person you are, a shining star with a zest for life. Exactly what us Montrealers pride ourselves in.  

Photo: Pascal Ratthé