Gael Monfils received a hero’s farewell at the Rolex Paris Masters on Tuesday night, but one of the most touching tributes to the recently retired Frenchman came from a longtime friend and fellow tennis star.
Former World No.1 and two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka penned an emotional statement celebrating Monfils, whom she has known since she was 14 years old.
The Belarusian praised the 40-year-old Frenchman not only for his spectacular tennis and extraordinary ability to entertain, but for the kindness, generosity and authenticity that have made him one of the most beloved figures in the sport.
“You’ve been a fan of your tennis, your passion, your creativity, and your ability to make people fall in love with the game,” Azarenka wrote. “But more than anything, I’ve always been a fan of you as a person. Because you genuinely have one of the biggest and kindest hearts I’ve ever known.”
Azarenka also recalled the early days of their friendship, as she got to see Monfils’ light and warmth up close and personal.
“I remember you in the cafeteria at Wimbledon, before the junior final, practicing your winning dance moves,” she wrote. “For about an hour and a half. In front of EVERYBODY.”
The most poignant passages of Azarenka’s tribute centered on the character of the man we call Lamonf.
“You have this beautiful ability to fall in love with life. With people, with ideas, with whatever new adventure catches your attention. I’ve seen Gael the tennis player, Gael the DJ, Gael the magician, and God knows how many other versions of Gael. But one thing has always remained the same: your passion for bringing joy to people.”
Azarenka and Monfils have shared a close friendship for more than two decades. In one memorable moment at the 2014 US Open, even persuaded the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd to sing Happy Birthday to Monfils during her on-court interview following a fourth-round victory over Aleksandra Krunic.
“You gave people your passion, your attention, your joy, and your heart. And now the world is giving that love right back to you. Every bit of it is deserved.”
She added: “I’m so proud of you, my friend. Not only for the incredible career you’ve built, but for the person you’ve remained through all of it. As a player, a father, and a friend.”
“There’s nobody quite like you. And there never will be.”
Monfils, who elected not to compete in Paris, was honored on Centre Court on Tuesday evening, receiving an emotional send-off in front of his home crowd, with several of his longtime friends and fellow French tennis stars joining the celebration.
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