Gael Monfils and Monte-Carlo Masters go way back. It’s the place where he made his only clay-court Masters 1000 final in 2016, and even pushed Rafael Nadal to three sets in a thrilling showdown. But that run meant more than just results. Because somewhere on the sidelines back then was a young 18-year-old, quietly watching and learning. That kid, Alexander Bublik, who had just turned pro, often tagged along during Monfils’ practice sessions.

Fast forward a decade, and Monte Carlo brought things full circle. This time, Bublik and Monfils weren’t sharing practice courts, they were facing off across the net. And for the now 28-year-old Bublik, it wasn’t just another match, it was a nostalgic moment, one that ended with an emotional goodbye to someone he once looked up to.

After sealing his win at Court Rainier III, Bublik reminded the French star of that memory during a brief post-match chat. The two shared a warm exchange as the crowd rose to applaud the French veteran.

“Do you know what? Exactly ten years ago, I was a hitting partner here,” Bublik told him.

He later revealed that he was brought in to help Gael Monfils and Grigor Dimitrov prepare for the tournament. And even years later, Bublik still holds on to that memory, especially because Monfils was one of the few who truly believed in him early on.

“He was one of the few guys who told me I’m going to make it if I work hard, so it’s really emotional,” the Kazakhstani star admitted in his post-match presser.

And it showed. This wasn’t just about a win for him. In fact, he made it clear that the moment belonged to Monfils. “This match was not about me. It’s farewell to Gael. An amazing career, an amazing champion, and I’m happy to be part of it,” he added.

The emotions carried on even after they walked off court. The two later filmed a video together, with the Frenchman pointing at Bublik and calling him “the winner of the day.” But Bublik, clearly moved, turned it right back: “The winner of the career! You had a great career.”

A vastly experienced opponent like Monfils could have been difficult to tackle for anyone, but Bublik put in a brilliant performance on the court to record a well-deserved win. He recorded a comfortable 6-4, 6-4 victory over the veteran in what was his 13th appearance of the tournament.

Having advanced to the Last 16, Bublik will now be facing the winner of the clash between Jiri Lehecka and Alejandro Tabilo that will be held on April 8.

On the other hand, Monfils has exited the Monte Carlo Open for the final time in his 22-year-long career. Though he had begun the tournament on a positive note and had recorded a hard-fought 6-7, 6-1, 6-4 win over Tallon Griekspoor, he failed to make it to the latter stages.

Having announced last year that he will be retiring from tennis after the end of the 2026 season, Monfils’ farewell tour isn’t quite going the way as he would have wanted.

Gael Monfils suffers a series of early exits in final season

Monfils has played five tournaments so far this year but is yet to make it past the second round. The former World No. 6’s season had commenced on a dismal note as he suffered a first-round defeat to Fabian Marozsan at the ASB Classic.

Things didn’t get better at the Australian Open as Monfils would once again bow out in the opening round after a 7-6, 5-7, 4-6, 5-7 loss to Dane Sweeny. Though Monfils did rack up his first victory of the year by downing Damir Dzumhur 6-4, 7-6 in the Mexican Open, he got eliminated in the very next match by Valentin Vacherot.

The Frenchman had begun his Indian Wells campaign on a high and had recorded a one-sided 6-3, 6-4 victory against Alexis Galarneau. However, his journey would once again end in the second round as Felix Auger-Aliassime handed him a 7-6, 3-6, 4-6 defeat.

The first-round loss in Monte Carlo means that Gael Monfils has a win-loss record of 2-5 so far this season. It remains to be seen if he will be able to improve his form in the upcoming ATP tournaments on the calendar.