Tennis star married to Ukraine's No.1 Svitolina announces retirement
Gaël Monfils announces retirement from professional tennis (photo: instagram.com/iamgaelmonfils)
One of the most vibrant tennis players of his generation, the French court showman Gaël Monfils, has announced that the next season will be his last in professional sport, he shared on Instagram.
Monfils announces end of his career
He revealed that he first picked up a racket at 2,5 years old and began his professional career at 18. Last month, the Frenchman celebrated his 39th birthday and decided that 2026 would mark the final year of his sporting journey.
"The opportunity to turn my passion into a profession is a privilege I have cherished in every match and moment of my 21-year career. Though this game means the world to me, I am tremendously at peace with my decision to retire at the end of the 2026 tennis season," Monfils wrote.
Achievements and results
Throughout his career, Gaël Monfils reached 35 ATP finals, winning 13 titles.
He played in three Masters tournament finals in 2009, 2010, and 2016. He also reached the semifinals of a Grand Slam twice: at the 2008 Roland Garros and the 2016 US Open.
The Frenchman also reached the Australian Open quarterfinals in 2016 and 2022.
Monfils' highest world ranking was No. 6 in November 2016.
Despite never winning a Grand Slam, he remains one of the most spectacular and charismatic players of his generation in tennis history.
Gratitudes and personal messages
In his statement, Monfils particularly highlighted the support of his family and loved ones, thanked his coaches, agent, and fans, and fondly recalled friendships with fellow French tennis stars Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gilles Simon, and Richard Gasquet.
He also addressed his wife, Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, and their daughter, Skaї:
"To my wife, Elina: my love, inspiration, and strength – and an exceptional player in her own right. To my daughter Skaї, for the profound love, meaning, and joy she has added to my days."
Svitolina responded on social media:
"Can't wait to begin this new chapter with you. We love you!"
Next generation and future
Monfils acknowledged that his career is coming to an end and expressed gratitude for the chance to compete during the "golden age" of tennis against legends as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray.
He noted that even losses to these rivals were special, and victories were even more meaningful.
"Life is too short. Believe me when I say that I have no regrets. What I do have is the feeling that I have been lucky: insanely, stupidly lucky," he added.
What's next
The French tennis player plans to compete through the full 2026 season and retire at the Paris Masters, marking a symbolic end to his career.
In 2026, the tennis world will say goodbye to one of the most entertaining showmen on court, whose game and charisma will be remembered forever.
Recently, Svitolina announced she would end her season.
Previously, Monfils and Svitolina played together at the US Open, finishing the match with a victory and a kiss.
Earlier, we wrote that Svitolina set a Ukrainian record in world tennis.
