French Open: Stan Wawrinka, Gael Monfils given wildcard entries for Roland Garros
French Open organisers have handed wildcard entries to Stan Wawrinka and Gael Monfils for Roland Garros, giving the two veteran stars one final chance to compete at a tournament that shaped their remarkable careers.
French Open organisers have handed wildcard entries to Stan Wawrinka and Gael Monfils, ensuring two of tennis’ most beloved veterans will get one final shot at Roland Garros before bringing the curtain down on their careers.
Three-time Grand Slam champion Wawrinka and French fan favourite Monfils, both expected to retire at the end of the 2026 season, were among the wildcard recipients announced on Monday for the clay-court major, which begins on May 24.
For Wawrinka, the wildcard marks an emotional return to a venue that delivered one of the defining moments of his career. The 41-year-old Swiss stunned Novak Djokovic in the 2015 final to win his only French Open title, producing one of the most memorable performances of his career. He also beat Roger Federer in the quarter-finals during that remarkable run.
Despite slipping to World No. 125, Wawrinka remains a revered figure in Paris, where he owns a strong record and has consistently produced some of his best tennis. Across 20 previous appearances, he has reached the final twice and the semi-finals once, building a lasting connection with the tournament.
Monfils’ inclusion carries a similarly emotional weight, particularly for the home crowd.
Home favourite Monfils gets farewell at home
The 39-year-old Frenchman has long been one of the most entertaining and charismatic players on tour. Ranked No. 222, Monfils will make yet another appearance at his home Grand Slam, where his electrifying athleticism and crowd-pleasing style made him a fan favourite for nearly two decades.
Monfils’ best Roland Garros run came in 2008 when he reached the semi-finals before losing to Federer. He also made three quarter-final appearances and has compiled an impressive tournament record over the years.
French Open organisers confirmed both players will be honoured after their final matches in Paris, adding a fitting touch to what could be emotional farewells.
The men’s wildcard list also included Nishesh Basavareddy, Titouan Droguet, Hugo Gaston, Arthur Gea, Moise Kouame and Adam Walton.
In the women’s draw, wildcard entries were awarded to Clara Burel, Ksenia Efremova, Fiona Ferro, Leolia Jeanjean, Emerson Jones, Sarah Rakotomanga, Alice Tubello and Akasha Urhobo.
While younger stars continue to shape the future of tennis, Roland Garros will pause to celebrate two veterans whose careers helped define an era.
French Open organisers have handed wildcard entries to Stan Wawrinka and Gael Monfils, ensuring two of tennis’ most beloved veterans will get one final shot at Roland Garros before bringing the curtain down on their careers.
Three-time Grand Slam champion Wawrinka and French fan favourite Monfils, both expected to retire at the end of the 2026 season, were among the wildcard recipients announced on Monday for the clay-court major, which begins on May 24.
For Wawrinka, the wildcard marks an emotional return to a venue that delivered one of the defining moments of his career. The 41-year-old Swiss stunned Novak Djokovic in the 2015 final to win his only French Open title, producing one of the most memorable performances of his career. He also beat Roger Federer in the quarter-finals during that remarkable run.
Despite slipping to World No. 125, Wawrinka remains a revered figure in Paris, where he owns a strong record and has consistently produced some of his best tennis. Across 20 previous appearances, he has reached the final twice and the semi-finals once, building a lasting connection with the tournament.
Monfils’ inclusion carries a similarly emotional weight, particularly for the home crowd.
Home favourite Monfils gets farewell at home
The 39-year-old Frenchman has long been one of the most entertaining and charismatic players on tour. Ranked No. 222, Monfils will make yet another appearance at his home Grand Slam, where his electrifying athleticism and crowd-pleasing style made him a fan favourite for nearly two decades.
Monfils’ best Roland Garros run came in 2008 when he reached the semi-finals before losing to Federer. He also made three quarter-final appearances and has compiled an impressive tournament record over the years.
French Open organisers confirmed both players will be honoured after their final matches in Paris, adding a fitting touch to what could be emotional farewells.
The men’s wildcard list also included Nishesh Basavareddy, Titouan Droguet, Hugo Gaston, Arthur Gea, Moise Kouame and Adam Walton.
In the women’s draw, wildcard entries were awarded to Clara Burel, Ksenia Efremova, Fiona Ferro, Leolia Jeanjean, Emerson Jones, Sarah Rakotomanga, Alice Tubello and Akasha Urhobo.
While younger stars continue to shape the future of tennis, Roland Garros will pause to celebrate two veterans whose careers helped define an era.
