French tennis veteran Gael Monfils has officially revealed that he will bring his career to an end after the 2026 season. Reflecting on his journey, the 39-year-old described himself as “stupidly lucky” to have competed during tennis’ golden era.
Over his 21 years on the ATP Tour, Monfils has captured 13 titles. Earlier in 2024, he became the oldest ATP champion in history by winning the Auckland Open at the age of 38 years and four months. Known for his explosive athleticism and entertaining style, the Frenchman quickly became a fan favorite worldwide.
Currently ranked world No. 53, Monfils has struggled with recurring injuries, most recently withdrawing from the Chengdu Open due to an ankle issue. Writing on Instagram, he stated: “Life is too short. I have no regrets. What I do have is the feeling of being insanely lucky to play alongside legends like Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, and Murray.”
Monfils’ most consistent stretch came in the mid-2010s, highlighted by a run to the US Open semi-finals in 2016, where he lost to Novak Djokovic. That was his second Grand Slam semi-final after his 2008 Roland Garros appearance, where he was defeated by Roger Federer. Despite never lifting a major trophy, Monfils leaves behind a legacy of flair and longevity.
Even late in his career, Monfils proved he could still compete at the highest level, stunning world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz at the 2024 Cincinnati Open. However, the new generation led by Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner has since dominated the sport, winning nine of the last ten Grand Slams.
“A new era of tennis is already here,” Monfils added. “I hope the next generation enjoys the game as much as I did during these past two decades.”
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