Gael Monfils to retire after 2026 season, ending 21-year career

Gael Monfils, a perennial crowd favorite and one of France's most prominent tennis players, announced on Wednesday that he will retire at the end of the 2026 season, ending a 21-year professional career. The 39-year-old wrote on social media that the coming year will be his last as a touring professional and that he is "tremendously at peace" with the decision.

Monfils turned professional at 18 after picking up a racket as a toddler. He reached a career-high ranking of world number six, won 13 ATP Tour titles and twice reached Grand Slam semifinals, at the French Open in 2008 and the US Open in 2016. In January he became the oldest player to win an ATP Tour title when he claimed the Auckland Classic at 38 years and four months, surpassing the previous mark set by Roger Federer. He is currently ranked 53rd.

In his announcement Monfils reflected on a long career played during an era dominated by a small group of all-time greats. "Believe me when I say that I have no regrets," he wrote, adding that he felt "insanely, stupidly lucky" to have competed alongside players he described as legends. He said his aim for the final season is simple: to enjoy every minute and play each match...