Key Takeaways
- Gael Monfils will receive an on-court tribute ceremony on the evening of 3 November at the Paris Masters.
- The 40-year-old confirmed his unexpected retirement on a livestream after separating from his wife Elina Svitolina.
- Monfils was added to the ITIA retired list and must undergo 6 months of testing if he ever wishes to compete again.
Parisian farewell honours former world number 6
Gael Monfils will be honoured with an on-court farewell ceremony at the Paris Masters, even though the French veteran recently stepped away from professional tennis ahead of his initial retirement schedule.
Organisers announced that the special tribute will take place on the evening of Tuesday, 3 November, celebrating his lengthy career on home soil.
“One last time, Paris will celebrate Gael,” tournament organisers confirmed in an official statement marking the evening tribute.
Early departure follows split from wife Elina Svitolina
Monfils had originally planned to conclude his professional journey at the Paris Masters in November after an intended appearance at the ATP 250 tournament in Lyon. However, the 40-year-old French star abruptly walked away from the circuit following an emotional personal upheaval.
Last week, his wife Elina Svitolina revealed the end of their marriage, citing the emotional weight of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as an important factor in her choice to separate.
Speaking on a Twitch broadcast, Monfils acknowledged that the sudden ending of the relationship left him unable to focus on his athletic commitments.
Addressing the situation, Monfils explained that “the breakup with Elina hurt me deeply” and admitted he felt mentally unprepared to train properly.
Anti-doping exit confirms formal competitive exit
The International Tennis Integrity Agency recently placed Monfils on its official retired list after he withdrew from the circuit’s drug-testing pool.
By removing himself from out-of-competition testing, the former world number 6 is permanently ineligible for official competition unless he enters an intensive 6-month testing period prior to any prospective return.
While Monfils will not compete in the tournament draw, the Paris evening tribute ensures the home favourite will receive a proper reception from French supporters.
Une dernière fois, Paris célébrera Gaël 💙 Le mardi 3 novembre, le Rolex Paris Masters rendra hommage à Gaël Monfils et à son immense carrière, là où il a écrit quelques-unes des plus belles pages de son histoire ✨ Rendez-vous en session de soirée pour célébrer La Monf’ comme il se doit 🇫🇷 #RolexParisMasters
— ROLEX PARIS MASTERS (@RolexPMasters) October 26, 2026
Elina Svitolina in 2026
Now ranked no.6, Elina played her last match on the 16th of October when she capitulated to world no.52 Sonay Kartal 6-2 2-6 6-4 in the quarter in Wuhan (draw).
Until now, during this year Elina has achieved an overall 50-17 match record. Elina clinched 2 titles in 2026 in Auckland and Rome.
