PARIS – The charismatic tennis player and former world number 6, Gael Monfils, has announced his retirement at the end of the 2026 season.
At 39 years old, the veteran Frenchman, known for his spectacular playing style and athleticism, announced his decision on Wednesday via social media. “Next year will be my last as a professional tennis player,” Monfils stated.
I held a racket for the first time at two and a half years old, and I started playing professionally at 18. The opportunity to turn my passion into a profession is a privilege that I have cherished during every match and moment of my 21-year career. Although this sport means the world to me, I am supremely at peace with my decision.
Gael Monfils
Monfils has won 13 titles throughout his career. His best results in Grand Slam tournaments are the semi-finals of the French Open in 2008 and the US Open in 2016. He is currently ranked 53rd.
The French tennis player admitted that he did not manage to win a Grand Slam during his career, but assured that he had no regrets.
What I do have is the feeling of having been lucky: incredibly, stupidly lucky. I had the opportunity to play during a golden age of tennis, alongside some of the biggest names in the history of our sport: Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Murray.
Gael MonfilsGael Monfils, conocido por su estilo entretenido, es uno de los jugadores más populares del circuito.Following in the footsteps of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gilles Simon and Richard Gasquet, Monfils is the last member of a group of talented French players nicknamed “The Musketeers” to announce his retirement.
In January, Monfils became the oldest player to win an ATP circuit title, achieving this feat in Auckland, New Zealand, by obtaining his thirteenth title, 20 years after the first. He was 38 years and 132 days old.
Monfils married Ukrainian player Elina Svitolina in 2021, and they have a daughter together.
The tennis player expressed his gratitude to his fans. “To every person who ever cheered or shouted ‘Allez, Gael!’ in real life or in front of a television screen: your energy and love mean everything to me,” concluded Monfils.
