Bublik Pays Tribute To Monfils After Ending His Final Monte-Carlo Appearance

Alexander Bublik paid a touching tribute to Gael Monfils after ending the Frenchman’s final run at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters Tuesday.

Monfils received an extended, heartfelt farewell from fans following his 6-4, 6-4 defeat on Court Rainier III, and Bublik was quick to pay tribute to the former World No. 6.

“This match was not about me; it’s all about Gael, who has had an amazing career and been an amazing champion. I was happy to be part of it,” Bublik said.

“As I said to him at the net, it was exactly 10 years ago that I was a hitting partner for him and Grigor. Back then he was one of the few guys who told me I was going to make it. It was really emotional.”

What a ride it was.

Monfils & Monte-Carlo: a 20-year love story ❤️@Gael_Monfils #RolexMonteCarloMasters pic.twitter.com/E5GSk5H1bp

— Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters (@ROLEXMCMASTERS) April 7, 2026

Playing his farewell season, 39-year-old Monfils earlier in the tournament rallied from a set down to defeat Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor 6-7(7), 6-1, 6-4.

With the victory, Monfils broke a tie with Richard Gasquet and now has won more ATP Masters 1000 matches (145) than any other Frenchman. He also became the second-oldest Masters 1000 match winner behind Ivo Karlovic, who reached the Indian Wells fourth round as a 40-year-old.