Gael Monfils makes emotional farewell in Paris as 22-year career ends

Gael Monfils was given a fond send-off in a special ceremony at the Paris Masters as he officially called time on his 22-year career.

The flamboyant Frenchman, known for his hot shots, flair and entertaining personality on and off court, had planned to retire with one last appearance in the Paris draw but instead quietly retired last month – appearing on the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s inactive list without an explanation – amid the breakdown of his marriage with Ukrainian player Elina Svitolina.

Rather than play in the French capital the tournament held a ceremony to honour his career, with Monfils’ compatriots and fellow fan favourites Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gilles Simon, Richard Gasquet and Benoit Paire.

Monfils said in a speech: “I’m not going to hide that this is a very difficult moment to say goodbye.

“The most beautiful thing that this world has given me is you, the wonderful crowd. It’s not easy at all, but I’d really like to thank you all.

“Twenty-two years now that I’ve been a professional tennis player. Twenty-two years of an extraordinary story that ‌I could have never dreamed of.

“I want to thank everyone, whether they’re here or at home, because it’s because of you that I could realise my dream.”

The 40-year-old also delivered a message for his and Svitolina’s young daughter Skai, who was born in 2022, a year after the couple married.

He said: “Skai, your father was a tennis player.

“He loved tennis. He grew up in Paris, where he had a magnificent crowd behind him. I hope, from the bottom of my heart, that you will become a great champion in everything you do and that, one day, you will play here in Paris.”

Monfils won 13 ATP Tour singles titles, lifting his first trophy in Poland in 2005 and his last in Auckland in January 2025, where he became the oldest player on the men’s circuit to win a title.

His best Grand Slam results were semi-final appearances at the French ‌Open in 2008 and ​US Open in 2016, and he reached a career high of sixth in the world. His Grand Slam ‌career ended at this year’s US Open, ​where he was beaten by American Learner Tien in the second round.

Monfils will take part in the exhibition to mark fellow veteran Stan Wawrinka’s retirement in Geneva in December, alongside Roger Federer and Andy Murray.

With Reuters