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Gael Monfils’ retirement plan takes surprising twist after US Open exit

French tennis star Gael Monfils has unexpectedly called time on his career after a second-round exit at the US Open, ending his 22-year professional journey. The 38-year-old, who had planned to retire following the 2026 Paris Masters in November, instead wrapped up his tour with a loss to American Learner Tien in early September.

His retirement was officially recorded on October 5, just days before the Lyon ATP 250 tournament where he had secured a wildcard entry. Monfils, a former world No.

6 with 13 ATP titles, also withdrew from a planned exhibition in Lyon with fellow French players Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gilles Simon, and Richard Gasquet due to personal reasons. Beyond tennis, Monfils—married to fellow professional Elina Svitolina—has already lined up a career in wealth management with a Swiss firm, marking a shift from the court to finance after a storied career that saw him reach the pinnacle of the sport.

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