INDIAN WELLS, Calif. – As the curtain prepares to fall on a celebrated career, French tennis star Gaël Monfils has been awarded a wild card entry into the 2026 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. The tournament, set to run from March 4th to 15th, will mark Monfils’ 17th and final appearance at the prestigious Masters 1000 event. The news comes as Monfils embarks on what has been announced as his farewell season on the ATP Tour.
The tournament organizers announced Friday that Monfils, currently ranked 170th in the world, will join a field that includes rising star Rafael Jodar. This wild card provides Monfils with the opportunity to compete in a tournament where he has enjoyed considerable success in the past, reaching the quarter-finals in both 2016 and 2019. Last year, he fell in the third round to Grigor Dimitrov in a three-set match.
Monfils’ longevity and captivating style of play have made him a fan favorite throughout his career. His decision to conclude his professional journey in 2026 has prompted an outpouring of appreciation from the tennis community. The Indian Wells tournament represents a significant stop on his farewell tour, allowing him to connect with fans in a location where he has consistently drawn strong support.
Wawrinka Denied Wild Card, Americans Receive Invitations
While Monfils received a coveted wild card, fellow veteran Stan Wawrinka was not among those selected. Wawrinka, too planning his retirement at the end of the 2026 season, had hoped to compete in the California desert, having reached the final at Indian Wells in 2017. However, the tournament awarded wild cards to four American players: Zachary Svajda (ranked 98th), Martin Damm Jr. (128th), Michael Zheng (149th) and Rafael Jodar (114th). The decision to overlook Wawrinka has surprised some observers, given his past success at the event.
Rafael Jodar, a #NextGenATP player, will be making his debut in the main draw of an ATP Masters 1000 tournament. The 19-year-old has demonstrated significant progress in recent months, winning three ATP Challenger titles and securing three tour-level victories, including an upset win over Cameron Norrie at the ATP 500 event in Acapulco. His inclusion in the Indian Wells draw signals a promising future for the young Spaniard.
Michael Zheng will also be making his first main draw appearance at an ATP Masters 1000 event. The 22-year-old enjoyed a successful 2025 season on the ATP Challenger Tour, posting a 24-7 record and winning three titles. He also made a splash at the Australian Open earlier this year, defeating Sebastian Korda in the opening round.
Martin Damm Jr. Recently enjoyed a strong showing at the ATP 250 event in Montpellier, where he upset Hubert Hurkacz and Roberto Bautista Agut en route to reaching his first tour-level semi-final. California native Zachary Svajda secured his spot with a victory at the ATP Challenger event in San Diego, defeating Korda in the final.
The wild card selections highlight the tournament’s commitment to showcasing both established stars and emerging talent. The inclusion of these players adds depth and intrigue to an already competitive field.
Monfils’ Recent Form and Upcoming Schedule
Despite his recent elimination in the second round of the Acapulco tournament, Monfils demonstrated his enduring competitive spirit by becoming the oldest French player to win a main draw match on the ATP tour since the tour’s inception. This victory served as a reminder of his continued ability to perform at a high level, even in the twilight of his career.
Following Indian Wells, Monfils is scheduled to participate in the exhibition MGM Slam in Las Vegas, alongside fellow stars Taylor Fritz, Nick Kyrgios, and Joao Fonseca. This event will provide another opportunity for fans to celebrate Monfils’ career and bid him farewell as he approaches retirement.
Venus Williams Also Receives Invitation
In the women’s draw, veteran Venus Williams has also been granted a wild card, allowing her to compete in both the singles and doubles competitions. At 45 years old, Williams continues to defy expectations and break longevity records on the WTA Tour, remaining a compelling figure in the sport.
The BNP Paribas Open promises to be a memorable event, not only for the high-level competition but also for the opportunity to witness the final appearances of two beloved tennis icons: Gaël Monfils and Venus Williams. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as these legends embark on their final chapters on the court.
Monfils’ participation in Indian Wells represents a fitting tribute to a player who has consistently entertained and inspired audiences around the world. His dynamic style, athleticism, and unwavering passion for the game have cemented his place as one of the most popular players in tennis history.
The tournament begins on March 4th, and fans can expect a thrilling fortnight of competition as the world’s top players battle for the title. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the BNP Paribas Open and Gaël Monfils’ farewell tour.
