Gaël Monfils has revealed that the 2026 tennis season will be his last, sharing a deeply personal message on social media that spans gratitude, reflection, and love. The French star, who turned 39 just weeks ago, began his note by recalling the moment he first held a racket at two and a half years old, and the journey that led him to a 21-year professional career.
A life shaped by tennis
Monfils described the privilege of turning his passion into a profession, writing that although tennis means the world to him, he is “tremendously at peace” with his decision to retire. His message was not one of sadness, but of appreciation for the people who shaped his path.
Family, friends, and fans
He thanked his wife Elina Svitolina, calling her “my love, inspiration, and strength,” and paid tribute to their daughter Skaï for bringing joy and meaning to his life. Monfils also acknowledged his siblings, close friends, coaches, and agent Nicolas for their unwavering support. To his fans, he wrote: “To every person who ever cheered or shouted ‘Allez, Gaël!’ in real life or at a TV screen: your energy and love are truly everything to me.”
No Grand Slam, no regrets
Despite never winning a Grand Slam, Monfils made it clear he has no regrets. “You could have, you should have…” he quoted, before adding, “I’ve never thought this way, and frankly I’m far too old to start doing so now.” He reflected on the honor of competing during a golden era alongside Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, and Murray, saying even the losses felt epic.
The joy was always real
Known for his flair and charisma, Monfils addressed his nickname “The Showman” with sincerity. “It was never just a show put on for the crowd,” he wrote. “What you see is joy, pure joy, spilling over.” He described the energy between himself and the audience as a “complete circuit of thrill and delight.”
One last goal
Looking ahead to his final season, Monfils shared a simple wish: “To enjoy every minute, and to play each match like it’s my last.” With love and thanks, he signed off a message that resonated with fans and fellow players alike.
Monfils may not have lifted a Grand Slam trophy, but his legacy is etched in the hearts of tennis lovers worldwide — a career defined by passion, resilience, and unforgettable moments.
This was the full message.
“I held a racket in my hands for the first time at two and a half, and began playing professionally at 18.
Now, after celebrating my 39th birthday just a month ago, I’d like to share that the year ahead will be my last as a professional tennis player.
The opportunity to turn my passion into a profession is a privilege I have cherished during every match and moment of my 21- year career. Though this game means the world to me, I am tremendously at peace with my decision to retire at the end of the 2026 tennis season.
Mostly, I feel overwhelmed with gratitude.
Pd like to express it to so many people:
To my wife, Elina: my love, inspiration, and strength – and an exceptional player in her own right.
To my daughter, Skaï, for the profound love, meaning, and joy she has added to my days.
To my brother Daryl and my sisters Roddie and Maélie, for lifting me up during tough times and helping me celebrate the good ones.
To my best friends and loved ones, whose faces in the stands have always given me courage when it counted the most.
To my longtime agent Nicolas, whose support and friendship helped me reach the highest highs and ride out the lowest lows.
To my coaches and team members over the years, who believed in a lanky kid from Paris and who have helped nurture my talent in ways I could never have imagined.
To every person who ever cheered or shouted “Allez, Gaël!” in real life or at a TV screen: your energy and love are truly everything to me.
To the French Tennis Federation for their unwavering support since Day One.
To Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gilles Simon, and Richard Gasquet, my three musketeers and best friends for life.
And most of all, to my parents: because all of this would have been impossible – unthinkable, even – without them.
Papa, maman, look how far we’ve come.
While I came close, I never did win a Grand Slam during my career. I won’t pretend that I expect to do so during the next year.
“You could have, you should have…”
As those who know me can attest, I’ve never thought this way, and frankly I’m far too old to start doing so now. Life is too short. Believe me when I say that I have no regrets.
What I do have Is the feeling that I have been lucky: Insanely, stupidly lucky.
I’ve had the chance to play during a golden age of tennis, alongside some of the greatest names In the history of our sport: Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Murray.
Even losing feels epic when you’re facing a legend (though I have to admit that the occasional wins were pretty euphoric, too).
While I came close, I never did win a Grand Slam during my career. I won’t pretend that I expect to do so during the next year.
“You could have, you should have…”
As those who know me can attest, I’ve never thought this way, and frankly I’m far too old to start doing so now. Life is too short. Believe me when I say that I have no regrets.
What I do have Is the feeling that I have been lucky: Insanely, stupidly lucky.
I’ve had the chance to play during a golden age of tennis, alongside some of the greatest names In the history of our sport: Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Murray.
Even losing feels epic when you’re facing a legend (though I have to admit that the occasional wins were pretty euphoric, too).
Besides “Lamonf,” I’ve been called “The Showman” over the course of my career, but I want you to know that it was never just a show put on for the crowd.
What you see is joy, pure joy, spilling over.
My passion and enjoyment on the court are real, and their energy electrifies me at each and every match.
I think what the audience experiences as a “show” is its current passing through all of them, and back into my playing.
A complete circuit of thrill and delight.
When you love something so much, it never feels like a good time to say goodbye. But 40 will be the right time for me.
Of course, winning one more title before I’m done would be truly incredible.
Truthfully though, my only real goal for the year ahead is simple:
To enjoy every minute, and to play each match like it’s my last.
With love and thanks,
Gaël Monfils”
Gael Monfils in 2025
Currently the world no.53, the French player played his last match on the 18th of September when he had to retire when playing against world no.88 Alexander Shevchenko in the 1st round and the scoreline was 6-7(3) 6-3 1-0 .
This year Gael has an overall 18-15 match record. Gael has won 1 title in Auckland.