PARIS — Perennial crowd favourite and former world No. 6-ranked Gael Monfils introduced Wednesday that he’ll retire on the finish of the 2026 tennis season.
At 39, the French veteran famend for his spectacular model of play, combating spirit and noteworthy athleticism mentioned in a message posted on social media that he’s “tremendously at peace” along with his choice after twenty years competing throughout what he known as “a golden age of tennis.”
“I held a racket in my arms for the primary time at two and a half, and started enjoying professionally at 18,” Monfils wrote. “The chance to show my ardour right into a occupation is a privilege I’ve cherished throughout each match and second of my 21-year profession.”
Monfils has gained 13 titles. His finest outcomes at Grand Slam tournaments are two semifinals, on the 2008 French Open and 2016 U.S. Open.
“Whereas I got here shut, I by no means did win a Grand Slam throughout my profession. I gained’t fake that I anticipate to take action throughout the subsequent 12 months,” Monfils mentioned, including that he has no regrets.
“What I do have is the sensation that I’ve been fortunate: insanely, stupidly fortunate,” he mentioned. “I’ve had the possibility to play throughout a golden age of tennis, alongside among the best names within the historical past of our sport: (Roger) Federer, (Rafael) Nadal, (Novak) Djokovic, (Andy) Murray.”
Following within the footsteps of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gilles Simon and Richard Gasquet, he’s the final member of a bunch of proficient French gamers dubbed “The Musketeers” to name it quits.
In January, Monfils grew to become the oldest participant to win an ATP Tour title, attaining the feat in Auckland, New Zealand to assert his thirteenth tour title 20 years after his first, on the age of 38 years, 132 days. He took over from Federer, who was 38 years, 74 days previous when he gained the ultimate tour title of his profession, the Swiss Indoor title at Basel in 2019.
Monfils married Ukrainian participant Elena Svitolina in 2021 and the couple have a daughter collectively. Monfils is at present ranked 53rd.
“To each one who ever cheered or shouted ‘Allez, Gael!’ in actual life or at a TV display: your power and love are actually every thing to me,” Monfils mentioned.
Stefanos Tsitsipas paid tribute to Monfils by posting footage of a exceptional shot from considered one of their matches — a sort of overhead winner struck from the baseline. “Gael Monfils’ scorching pictures have been so spectacular, it was an honour to be on the receiving finish of them,” he mentioned.
