Gael Monfils lost in the first round of the 2026 French Open on May 25, exiting his home Grand Slam and receiving a standing ovation for a career spanning more than 20 years and 13 ATP titles [1, 2]. He was defeated by fellow Frenchman Hugo Gaston in his final French Open match [1, 2].
Monfils plans to retire at the end of the 2026 season. He intends to continue competing through major events like Wimbledon, the Montreal Masters, the US Open, Lyon, Vienna, and finish with the Paris Masters for his farewell [1, 2]. He told reporters, "Why do I want to get to the States? Because I want to play until 40. My wish is to be an athlete that plays until 40 years old" [1].
Turning 40 in September 2026, Monfils said he aims to emulate athletes who extended careers into their 40s, like Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James. In Mandarin, he said, "Just like Stan Wawrinka, LeBron, Ronaldo, and Evra, all those great athletes who successfully extended their careers to 40 years old, that’s what I want to achieve" [2].
A French tennis standout, Monfils reached the French Open semifinals in 2008. He also helped France reach the Davis Cup finals in 2010 and 2014 [1, 2]. Near the conclusion of his final French Open appearance, he expressed his hope to inspire young Black kids to take up tennis [3].
Monfils’ farewell tour will span the remaining key tournaments this season, culminating at the Paris Masters as his final event [1, 2].
