Gaël Monfils Announces Retirement Plans for 2026 Season
French tennis star Gaël Monfils has confirmed his intention to retire at the conclusion of the 2026 season, as he shared in a heartfelt statement on Wednesday. The 39-year-old athlete expressed gratitude towards his family, colleagues, fellow players, and fans for their unwavering support throughout his career, which he plans to conclude shortly after reaching the age of 40 in September 2024.
In his announcement, Monfils conveyed his deep appreciation for the energy and love he has received from supporters. “To every person who ever cheered or shouted ‘Allez, Gaël!’ in real life or at a TV screen: your energy and love are truly everything to me,” he stated.
Monfils boasts an impressive record of 13 ATP Tour titles, making headlines earlier this year by becoming the oldest player to secure a title. He achieved this milestone at the ASB Classic in Auckland, defeating Zizou Bergs with a score of 6-3, 6-4. At the time of his victory in January, Monfils was 38 years, 4 months, and 7 days old, surpassing the previous record held by Roger Federer since 2019.
Throughout his career, Monfils reached a career-high ranking of world No. 6 and made it to the semifinals of two Grand Slam tournaments: the 2008 French Open and the 2016 U.S. Open. As he approaches retirement, he has emphasized his contentment with his achievements, stating he holds no regrets about not winning a major title.
Legacy of a Showman
Monfils is renowned for his electrifying style of play, captivating audiences with his remarkable agility and flair. He has a unique ability to draw in fans, often delivering breathtaking performances that showcase his talent and charisma. During the 2023 French Open, Monfils demonstrated his resilience by staging a dramatic comeback against Bolivia’s Hugo Dellien, overcoming a two-set deficit to secure victory and sending the crowd at Court Philippe-Chatrier into a frenzy.
“I’ve been called ‘The Showman’ over the course of my career, but I want you to know that it was never just a show put on for the crowd. What you see is joy, pure joy, spilling over,” Monfils said in his retirement message. “My passion and enjoyment on the court are real, and their energy electrifies me at each and every match.”
With several tournaments still on his schedule leading up to his retirement, Monfils looks forward to experiencing the thrill of competition one last time. His legacy as one of the sport’s most entertaining players is firmly established, and he leaves an indelible mark on the world of tennis.
