Gael Monfils Retires from Tennis, Bringing an End to France's Famous Four Musketeers Era

Posted : 14 October 2026

French tennis star Gaël Monfils has officially retired from professional tennis, bringing an end to a career that spanned more than two decades. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed that the 40-year-old had been placed on its retired players list on October 5, despite earlier plans to continue competing until the end of 2026.

Monfils had been expected to make farewell appearances at an ATP 250 tournament in Lyon, where he received a wildcard, and potentially at the Paris Masters in early November. However, his inclusion on the retirement list means he cannot compete for at least six months under the sport's anti-doping regulations. Players who retire must remain available for random drug testing during that period before they can return to competition.

His final professional singles match came at the US Open in early September, where he lost to American teenager Learner Tien in the second round. Monfils had nevertheless made history earlier in the tournament by defeating Adolfo Daniel Vallejo in the opening round. That victory made him only the third man aged 40 or older to win a singles match at the US Open during the Open Era, joining Ken Rosewall and Jimmy Connors.

Monfils also enjoyed a notable run in the mixed doubles competition at Flushing Meadows, reaching the semi-finals alongside his wife, fellow professional tennis player Elina Svitolina.

His retirement marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in French tennis. Known affectionately as "La Monf", he was the last active member of the generation popularly known as the French Musketeers, alongside Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gilles Simon and Richard Gasquet. All three of his contemporaries had already retired, leaving Monfils as the final representative of the celebrated group.

Monfils turned professional in 2004 and went on to win 13 ATP Tour singles titles, establishing himself as one of the most entertaining players of his generation. His athleticism, explosive movement and spectacular shot-making made him a popular figure among fans around the world.

His best Grand Slam performances came at the French Open in 2008 and the US Open in 2016, where he reached the semi-finals. He also competed in three Masters 1000 finals during his career, although a title at that level ultimately eluded him.

One of the defining moments of his later career came in January 2025, when he won the Auckland title at 38. The victory made him the oldest player to capture an ATP Tour singles title since 1977 at that time, a record subsequently surpassed by Novak Djokovic. Monfils followed that achievement with a run to the fourth round of the Australian Open, defeating then-world number four Taylor Fritz along the way.

Away from tennis, Monfils had indicated that he intended to pursue a career in finance, with plans to become a wealth manager for a Swiss company. Unlike Tsonga, Simon and Gasquet, who have taken on roles connected to tennis, he appears ready to explore a different professional path.

Although Monfils had hoped to conclude his playing career with farewell appearances in Lyon and Paris, the ITIA's confirmation means those plans are no longer possible under the current rules. His departure closes a memorable chapter in French tennis and leaves behind a legacy defined by remarkable athleticism, longevity and an unmistakable style of play.

Gael Monfils Retires from Tennis, Bringing an End to France's Famous Four Musketeers Era

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