Frenchman Monfils to retire after 2026 season

Wednesday, 1 October 2025 10:47

By Reuters

Former world number six Gael Monfils will retire at the end of next season, the Frenchman said on Wednesday.

Known for his athleticism and flair, Monfils has won 13 ATP Tour titles, the latest of which came in Auckland in January, nearly 20 years after his first in Poland in 2005. His victory in the Auckland Classic made him the oldest player to win an ATP Tour title at 38 years and four months.

"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," Monfils wrote on social media.

"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."

Monfils has reached two Grand Slam semi-finals, losing both at the French Open in 2008 and the 2016 U.S. Open, but said he would sign off without any regrets.

"Life is too short," he added. "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."

More from Sports News

Ireland beat India for first time in international cricket

Abhishek Sharma's 19-ball fifty went in vain as world champions India were surprisingly beaten by Ireland for the first time in international cricket, slumping to a 34-run defeat in the first Twenty20 in Belfast on Friday.
England roar back in second test against New Zealand

England roared back into contention on the second day of the third and deciding test against New Zealand with Ben Duckett's rapid century helping his side to 223-2 after three wickets for returning captain Ben Stokes helped to dismiss the visitors for 438 at a sizzling Trent Bridge.
Williams to face Australia's Joint in Wimbledon comeback

American great Serena Williams will face Australian 20-year-old Maya Joint in the first round of her eagerly awaited return to Wimbledon, a potentially tricky tie for the seven-time champion playing at the tournament for the first time since 2022.
Australia reach World Cup knockouts, Turkey beat USA

Australia booked their spot in the knockout rounds of the World Cup on Thursday after a cagey draw against Paraguay, who are set to qualify as a third-placed finisher, while Turkey beat USA 3-2, scoring the winner with virtually the last kick of the match.
Netherlands win Group F, Japan and Sweden also through

The Netherlands scored two goals in the first seven minutes of the first half en route to a 3-1 victory over Tunisia on Thursday night in Kansas City in Group F, while Japan and Sweden drew 1-1 in Texas.