Former world No. 6 Gael Monfils has announced he will retire at the end of the 2026 tennis season.
The 39-year-old Frenchman, famed for his flair and athletic shot-making, said in a social media post: “The year ahead will be my last as a professional tennis player… I am tremendously at peace with my decision.”
Monfils, who turned pro in 2004, has won 13 ATP titles and reached two Grand Slam semifinals — at Roland-Garros in 2008 and the US Open in 2016. In January, he became the oldest ATP champion in history by winning in Auckland at 38 years, 132 days, surpassing Roger Federer’s record.
The last of France’s celebrated “Musketeers” — following Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gilles Simon, and Richard Gasquet — Monfils acknowledged he never captured a Major but said he cherished his 21-year career.
Monfils, ranked No. 53, is married to Ukrainian player Elina Svitolina, with whom he has a daughter.
“To everyone who ever cheered ‘Allez, Gael!’ — your love and energy meant everything,” he said.
Published on Oct 01, 2025