Monte Carlo Masters star explains why he apologised to crowd after losing final match

Gael Monfils said farewell to the Monte Carlo Masters on Tuesday as he bowed out in the second round. The former world No. 6 will retire at the end of the season and received a wildcard into the Masters 1000 tournament in Monaco to say goodbye to the fans there, 10 years after finishing runner-up at the Monte Carlo Country Club.

Monfils won a thrilling opening match against Tallon Griekspoor but was no match for eighth seed Alexander Bublik in round two, suffering a 6-4 6-4 defeat. Afterwards, the French star was honoured with an on-court ceremony. Highlights of his Monte Carlo matches over the years were shown on the big screen, and Monfils had the chance to address the fans on Court Rainier III.

As well as thanking the fans for their support, Monfils also apologised after losing to Bublik in an hour and 16 minutes. And the former finalist later explained that he felt he didn’t put on enough of a show during his second-round defeat.

“[I apologised] because I wanted to do better. I was a bit flat today. I lacked energy, and I really wanted to do better and to play well. It's rather that. I wanted to do better. Sometimes I want to do better, but my body doesn't allow me to do that,” the 39-year-old explained.

It was still an admirable defeat for Monfils. Bublik is currently ranked at No. 11 in the world, but cracked the top 10 earlier this season. In the past year, he’s lifted five titles. And the retiring Frenchman admitted it was tough to face a top player.

He added: “Well, he played a solid match on his side. He was very precise in his game, and on my side, I felt a bit flat. When you play against a top-11, it's always more difficult, but I tried my best.

“I try to be competitive as much as I can, but of course you try to put emotions aside. But when it ends, they all come back. But I always try to propose the best match I can.”

Monfils’ final season on the tour continues, and the former world No. 6 knows things will only get more emotional when he heads to the French Open next month – his home Grand Slam tournament. After a tear-jerking goodbye in Monaco, Monfils was asked whether he’d thought about his farewell at Roland Garros.

“That's a great question. I ask myself the same, but I guess it's gonna be something that I won't forget ever,” he replied. “Somehow I don't know, because I am inside. Maybe I don't show it too much. I am inside. But I think, you know, when it gets you, it gets you. But so far, I think I have been very okay to control my emotions, so I will see.”

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