Key Takeaways
- Gael Monfils unexpectedly appeared on the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s retired players list ahead of his expected late-2026 retirement.
- Daniil Medvedev addressed the news after advancing to the Shanghai Masters quarterfinals with a 6-4, 7-5 win over Stefanos Tsitsipas.
- Medvedev holds a 3-2 career head-to-head edge over Monfils, whose career match record stands at 588 wins and 360 losses if officially finished.
French veteran unexpectedly surfaces on retired players register
Daniil Medvedev has expressed his surprise after hearing that his long-time rival Gael Monfils appeared on the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s retired players list. Although the veteran French player was widely anticipated to step away from professional competition at the close of the 2026 tour, the sudden listing emerged earlier than anticipated.
Medvedev discussed the development following his Shanghai Masters round of 16 victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas, whom he defeated 6-4, 7-5 to advance to the tournament quarterfinals. When questioned by reporters regarding the development, Medvedev initially termed the situation “a bit of a strange story” before learning from media members that the departure was considered official.
Medvedev reflects on on-court clashes and rival’s reputation
Reflecting on Monfils as a competitor, Medvedev emphasized how entertaining and difficult he was to handle across the net. The Russian noted that the Frenchman became remarkably dangerous when trailing, as he would loosen up and attempt high-risk shots like tweeners. Medvedev offered well wishes to his peer, praising his remarkable tennis journey and emphasizing that virtually nobody in the sport has a negative word to offer regarding the Frenchman.
Should this mark the definitive end of Monfils’ playing career, his final professional appearance came at the US Open in a second-round defeat to Learner Tien, ending with a final career match record of 588 victories against 360 losses.
Daniil Medvedev vs Gael Monfils head-to-head match history
| Year | Winner | Tournament | Round | Surface | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Medvedev | Beijing | Round of 32 | Outdoor Hard | 63 64 |
| 2024 | Medvedev | ATP Masters 1000 Monte-Carlo | Round of 32 | Outdoor Clay | 62 64 |
| 2022 | Monfils | ATP Masters 1000 Indian Wells | Round of 32 | Outdoor Hard | 46 63 61 |
| 2019 | Monfils | Rotterdam | Semifinal | Indoor Hard | 46 63 64 |
| 2019 | Medvedev | Sofia | Semifinal | Indoor Hard | 62 64 |
Pursuit of the ATP Finals qualification
Medvedev’s run in Shanghai also carries critical implications for his bid to reach the season-ending ATP Finals. The Russian currently sits eighth in the Race to Turin. With Jannik Sinner concluding his 2026 campaign early because of injury, a path has opened for Medvedev to secure an entry into the eight-man field.
Medvedev acknowledged that qualifying comes down strictly to weekly performance, admitting that consistent quarterfinal runs at Masters events typically seal a berth. While Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz have already confirmed their places, rivals such as Alex de Minaur and Rafael Jodar remain active in Shanghai, whereas earlier exits for Ben Shelton, Flavio Cobolli, Frances Tiafoe and Arthur Fils have aided Medvedev’s chase.
ATP Shanghai - Daniil Medvedev's projected path
Daniil Medvedev in 2026
Now the world no.5, the Russian played his last match on the 14th of October when he overcame world no.43 Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4 7-5 in the 4th round in Shanghai (draw).
This season the Russian achieved a composed 45-17 record. Medvedev clinched 3 titles in 2026 in Brisbane, Dubai and Hangzhou.
Gael Monfils in 2026
Now the world no.254, Gael played his last match on the 3rd of September when he lost to world no.16 Learner Tien 6-3 6-4 6-3 in the 2nd round of the U.S. Open (draw).
Presently, during this year Gael has managed to achieve a composed 5-10 match record.
Daniil Medvedev and Gael Monfils clashed against each other 5 times. Their record is 3-2 for Medvedev.
