Paris, October 1 (HS): French tennis star Gaël Monfils has announced that he will retire from professional tennis after the 2026 season. The 39-year-old took to social media to share the news, writing, “The coming year will be the last of my professional career… I am completely at peace with this decision.”
A former World No. 6, Monfils began his professional career in 2004 and has so far won 13 ATP titles. He reached two Grand Slam semifinals — the 2008 French Open and the 2016 US Open.
Earlier this year, in January, Monfils became the oldest champion in ATP history at 38 years and 132 days by winning the Auckland title, breaking Roger Federer’s previous record.
With this announcement, Monfils will be joining the ranks of France’s celebrated “Four Musketeers,” following the retirements of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gilles Simon, and Richard Gasquet.
Though he never claimed a Grand Slam title, Monfils reflected proudly on his long and vibrant 21-year career.
Currently ranked No. 53 in the world, Monfils is married to Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina, with whom he has a daughter.
Expressing gratitude to his fans, he said, “To everyone who ever shouted ‘Allez Gaël,’ your love and energy have meant the world to me.”
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
