“How has he done that?” – the sentiment is often repeated differently whenever you see Gael Monfils at work. The court was his playground, his stage to entertain the fans thoroughly, and he never left it half-done. That’s why his retirement news has become a sad reality dawning on the fans. But looking back, we will always cherish the memorable moments he bestowed upon us. We can only thank him for that, like Patrick McEnroe, tennis legend John McEnroe’s brother, has done in his beautiful tribute.

Monfils made the big announcement on Instagram on October 1. The 39-year-old will set aside his racquet after the end of the 2026 season. Patrick McEnroe, the former World No. 28, couldn’t help but use the superlative to pay tribute to the spectacular Frenchman. “Nobody better than @Gael_Monfils,” McEnroe’s tweet read, which he shared on October 2. Likewise, the former US Champion is ready for one last ride of craziness, saying, “Quite a year to come.”

Gael Monfils ensured you were not drifting through the match passively, as the game was going on as background noise. No, he would get you out of your seat. He will leave you astounded. And he would always make sure you had a smile after having experienced something unbelievable. He also ended up winning 13 titles, competing in Grand Slam semifinals, and reaching as high as World No. 6 in 2016.

That year, in the US Open, he went on a remarkable run, reaching the semifinals without dropping a set. He fell to eventual champion Novak Djokovic, but wins and losses did not define Monfils’ story. As one commentator perfectly said, “Human highlight reel at its best” – this is what meant the most to the Frenchman. He just wanted to enjoy, and the spectacle became a joy for the fans.

A trick shot, a tweener, a fake – there is always something Gael Monfils can come up with. Hell, the 6ft 4 would even lunge to the ground to get a return if it meant doing something you would not expect at that moment. One could argue that he played for the people, not for glory. But the Frenchman himself clarified he didn’t play for the fans per se. It’s just that what he loved doing thrilled the fans. It was like a positive feedback loop, with the fans excited by his play and Monfils being encouraged to be himself all the more.

He was always smiling, and his happy-go-lucky persona fit how he often got into friendly interactions with the fans at the court during exhibition matches. Those matches really brought out the true Gael Monfils.

Everyone has a role to play. Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic made their mark in the sport. We didn’t know we needed a Monfils. But we are glad he happened. And like McEnroe, we want a legendary finish to the showstopper’s final act.

Gael Monfils’ ‘final dance’ begins

It’s been a while since we have seen the Frenchman on the court. The two-time Rotterdam Open champion has played in the Chengdu ATP 250 event, retiring in the R32 match against Alexander Shevchenko on September 15. At 39 years of age, he has been struggling with his fitness. But then again, it’s been a long journey, as Monfils shared in his retirement message. “I held a racket in my hands for the first time at two and a half, and began playing professionally at 18.”

“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.” And he is signing off without any regrets. He did what he wanted to accomplish, giving the tennis fans a reason to smile. “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.”

On this illustrious journey, he thanked his family, friends, fellow tennis compatriots, and fans in his corner. Being Gael Monfils means even his rivals tipping their hats to his showmanship. That included Novak Djokovic, the living legend himself, who had to acknowledge the Frenchman for making the sport a spectacle.

The Serbian commented how special it has been to share the stage with Monfils: “LaMonf… What a treat was to watch you every match. You are an amazing human being that brings joy to people on and off the court. That counts more then anything else. Tennis wise, your athleticism is off the charts. One of the best I have ever seen in all sports. Thank you 🙏 for all the great battles over the years we had and enjoy your last dance, my friend 🙌🎾❤️.”

It will be a different year on the court for the Frenchman. We eagerly await his return and hope to make this farewell as graceful and easy for the Frenchman as the magic he created on the court.