French tennis star Gael Monfils sets his retirement timeline

Throughout his career, Monfils has earned 13 ATP titles. His best Grand Slam performances were reaching the semifinals of Roland Garros in 2008 and the US Open in 2016. Although he never stood on a Grand Slam winner’s podium, the French player insists he has no regrets: "I came very close, but never touched a Grand Slam championship. I won’t pretend that I still expect that in my final year. The only thing I have is a feeling of luck – an unbelievable kind of luck."

Monfils also expressed pride in competing in tennis’s golden era: "I had the opportunity to play alongside legends like Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, and Murray. That has been a great honor."

With his retirement decision, Monfils becomes the last member of the French "Fab Four" – together with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gilles Simon, and Richard Gasquet – to say goodbye to the ATP Tour.

Earlier this year, Monfils made history by becoming the oldest player to win an ATP title. He secured his 13th trophy in Auckland, New Zealand, exactly 20 years after his first victory, at 38 years and 132 days old. This achievement allowed Monfils to break Roger Federer’s previous record (38 years and 74 days) when the "Swiss Maestro" won Basel in 2019.

Beyond his playing career, Monfils is also known for his beautiful relationship with Ukrainian player Elena Svitolina, whom he married in 2021. The couple now has a daughter, and Monfils is ranked 53rd in the world.

Concluding his message, the French player expressed gratitude to his many fans: "To everyone who has ever cheered or shouted ‘Allez, Gael!’ in the stands or in front of the TV – your energy and love mean everything to me."