'I get chills': Emotional Gael Monfils bids farewell to Roland Garros after epic first round five-setter

French tennis champion Gael Monfils bid farewell to Roland Garros with an emotional 6-2, 6-3, 3-6, 2-6, 6-0 loss to countryman Hugo Gaston in an epic rollercoaster of a first round match.

A near-capacity crowd at Court Philippe-Chatrier rode every point with Monfils, who is viewed as one of sport's premier showmen over the past two decades.

Monfils, 39, walked out to chants of "Ga-el! Ga-el!" and received loud encouragement throughout the match, which helped him claw back a two-set deficit against an opponent 14 years his junior.

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Yet the contest was seen more as a celebration of one of the most entertaining players to come out of France, with Monfils praised by his peers in a ceremony after the three-hour clash.

Monfils was joined in an on-court ceremony by his former Davis Cup teammates Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Richard Gasquet and Gilles Simon.

A highlight video featured many of Monfils' best moments from the tournament, including winning the junior title in 2004 and reaching the semi-finals in 2008.

"I would like to thank you all. Every year, when I come to play at Roland-Garros, I get chills," an emotional Monfils said.

"Every time I'm here, it's magical, it's something incredible. I created something strong, unique, exceptional with you, and I truly love you.

"I'm going to miss you all so much, and I want to say a huge thank you from the bottom of my heart."

He concluded by thanking his wife Elina Svitolina, the current world No.7, who was seen wiping away tears throughout most of his speech.

"Without her, I may not be here tonight," he said, adding that she supported him "as a man and not as a tennis man" and thanked her for giving him his greatest gift - their 3-year-old daughter Skai.

"Monf, that's a wrap," Simon said in French. "It's the end of the adventure, the end of the road. It's been an incredible journey for you, for all of us and for everyone who enjoyed watching you play and all the spectators you made so happy."

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Gasquet said: "Mate, I'm so proud to have spent my whole career with you, and I'm especially proud to call you a friend and to share so many memories with you."

Tsonga added: "You can be so proud of everything you've done. You've been outstanding. I think you've inspired lots of young people to take up tennis. You have inspired so many people."

Speaking in his post-match press conference, the Frenchman confirmed the next leg of his farewell tour will hopefully be Wimbledon, telling reporters he's requested a wildcard.

However, how he prepares for the US Open is still up in the air. Monfils reached a career high ranking of No 6 and won 13 titles.

He qualified for the semi-finals at Roland Garros and the US Open.

Last year, he became the oldest man to win an ATP title, ­taking out the Auckland 250 event.