Gael Monfils will bring his remarkable professional tennis career to a close in 2026, with the Frenchman set to retire at the age of 40 after two decades of entertaining fans around the world. Known affectionately as La Monf, the former World No. 6 leaves behind a legacy built on athletic brilliance, spectacular shot-making and an infectious love for the game.
Few players have entertained tennis audiences quite like Monfils. His explosive movement, incredible defensive skills and fearless approach to shot-making made him one of the ATP Tour's most exciting performers. Whether producing extraordinary rallies, leaping across the court or attempting audacious shots, he consistently turned matches into unforgettable spectacles.
However, Monfils' career was about far more than entertainment. He reached a career-high ranking of World No. 6 in 2016 and recorded 588 tour-level victories. His achievements included semi-final appearances at the French Open and US Open, multiple ATP Masters 1000 finals and a place at the prestigious Nitto ATP Finals.
His remarkable longevity was another highlight. In 2025, Monfils won the Auckland title at 38, becoming the oldest ATP Tour champion since Ken Rosewall in 1977. The achievement further demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level well into his late 30s.
Source: Australia Open
Paris also played a special role throughout his career. A former junior World No. 1 who won three junior Grand Slam titles in 2004, Monfils developed a strong connection with French tennis fans. His performances at Roland Garros and the Rolex Paris Masters regularly brought the crowds to their feet.
He reached consecutive Paris Masters finals in 2009 and 2010 and shares the record for the most Roland Garros match victories by a Frenchman with Yannick Noah, with 40 wins. His memorable Paris Masters debut against Lleyton Hewitt in 2004, despite ending in defeat, helped establish his lasting affection for playing in front of his home crowd.
Monfils was also a key figure in a celebrated generation of French tennis players alongside Richard Gasquet, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gilles Simon. With his retirement approaching, he becomes the last member of the quartet to leave professional tennis, closing an important chapter in French sporting history.
The next generation, led by rising star Arthur Fils, now carries the responsibility of keeping French tennis competitive on the international stage. Yet Monfils' influence will remain, particularly among young players who grew up watching his extraordinary athleticism and creative approach to the sport.
When asked how he hoped to be remembered, Monfils expressed a simple wish: to be remembered "with a lot of joy." It is a fitting reflection of a career that brought excitement, laughter and countless memorable moments to tennis fans.
As La Monf prepares for his final season, the ATP Tour will be saying goodbye to one of its most distinctive personalities, a player whose greatest legacy may be the happiness he brought to the game.
