French Tennis Star Gael Monfils Announces Retirement Following 2026 Season

Gaël Monfils, the charismatic French tennis star and former world No. 6, has announced that the 2026 season will be his last as a professional player, marking the end of a remarkable 21-year career. Turning pro at 18, Monfils won 13 ATP titles and became the oldest ATP Tour champion at 38, with his dynamic play making him a fan favorite. Despite never winning a Grand Slam, he reached the semi-finals twice and achieved a career-high ranking of sixth in 2016. Monfils expressed gratitude for playing during a golden era alongside legends like Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, and Murray, and feels at peace with his decision to retire, emphasizing his desire to enjoy every moment of his final season. He has struggled with injuries recently but remains motivated to compete and hopes to win one more title before retiring. Monfils also thanked his team, fans, family, and fellow players for their support throughout his career, looking forward to savoring his final matches on the tour.