Gael Monfils Announces Retirement from Professional Tennis
PARIS — Gael Monfils, a beloved figure in the tennis world and former world No. 6, has declared his intention to retire from professional tennis after the conclusion of the 2026 season. At 39 years old, the French player took to social media on Wednesday to announce, “the upcoming year will mark my final chapter as a professional athlete.“
Reflecting on a Remarkable Career
Reflecting on his career, Monfils reminisced about his journey, saying, “I picked up a racket for the first time at just two and a half years old and began playing at a professional level at 18. Turning my passion into a career has been a tremendous privilege. I have savored every moment over the 21 years I’ve spent on the tour. Though tennis has been a vital part of my life, I am very much at peace with this decision.“
Monfils boasts a commendable 13 career titles and has made notable runs at Grand Slam events, reaching the semifinals twice – first at the 2008 French Open and later at the 2016 US Open. “While I have come close to winning a Grand Slam, I won’t pretend I’m aiming for that in the coming year.” he admitted.
The End of an Era
His retirement marks the end of an era as he becomes the final player from the renowned French quartet known as “The Musketeers“—which included Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gilles Simon, and Richard Gasquet—to exit the scene. In a remarkable feat earlier this year, Monfils made headlines by becoming the oldest player to secure an ATP Tour title when he triumphed in Auckland at the age of 38 years and 132 days, overtaking Roger Federer’s previous record.
Personal Life and Gratitude
In his personal life, Monfils married Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina in 2021, and the couple shares a daughter. Currently ranked 53rd in the world, Monfils expressed gratitude to his supporters, saying, “To everyone who has ever cheered for me, whether in person or in front of a screen, your enthusiasm and affection mean the world to me.“
