Tennis stands still as Gael Monfils, the ultimate showman, signals it’s time to say goodbye to the game he loves. With electrifying moves and unforgettable flair, the Frenchman lit up crowds for two exhilarating decades. He has been one of the ATP’s most charismatic stars since debuting in 2004. Monfils claimed 13 singles trophies and peaked at No. 6 in the rankings. But now, it’s time to bid that glittering legacy farewell. And his fellow colleagues can’t help but share their thoughts with him!

In a post on Wednesday, Monfils wrote a heartfelt message on Instagram, reflecting on his journey. “I had a racket in my hands for the first time at two and a half, and began playing professionally at 18,” he wrote. “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.” He openly explained his decision with gratitude: “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.”

Following the announcement, fellow players showered him with love. Novak Djokovic, who battled Monfils 20 times on tour and has known him since the beginning, shared a touching tribute. “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 🙌🎾❤️.”

Nole’s not the only one praising the Frenchman. Rising star Jakub Mensik also chimed in: “❤️❤️ la monf.” Though they’ve only faced once, at the Qatar Open last year, Mensik holds Monfils in high regard. His fellow Frenchman, Terence Atmane, also paid tribute, writing simply, “Goat 🫶🏼” under the post. They may not have played each other, but the bond of representing France runs deep.

If you didn’t know, “La Monf” is Gael Monfils’ catchy French nickname, born from the slang habit of adding “La” to make names sound cooler. It stuck because “La” just feels smoother, even if it’s technically feminine. Before that, he was called “Slider-Man” for his slick moves on court. Both nicknames perfectly capture his unique style and charm.

Even his wife and fellow pro Elina Svitolina left a sweet message: “Can’t wait to begin this new chapter with you 🥹🥹🥹 we love you ! ❤️❤️❤️” The couple has been together since 2018, married in 2021, and now have a daughter, Skai, born in 2022.

For tennis fans, saying goodbye to Monfils is tough. He brought incredible tennis, warmth, humor, and kindness—on and off the court. While farewell is bittersweet, he’s been honest about his feelings on retirement, making peace with closing this chapter.

Gael Monfils gets real after tough challenges this season

Monfils has been through the wringer in 2025. The French showman sits at an 18-15 record this season, flashing brilliance at times but also battling inconsistency and injuries. His biggest highlight came in January when he pulled off a fairytale run at the Auckland Open, becoming the oldest ATP Tour champion since 1977. He even rollicked into the fourth round of the Australian Open with a stunning win over top-5 seed Taylor Fritz. Experience, flair, and charisma, Monfils still had it at 39.

But the ride hit a painful bump at the US Open. Matched against Roman Safiullin in the first round, Monfils fought tooth and nail, stretching the battle into five sets before bowing out. The loss stung, but instead of signaling the end, he jumped straight on Instagram to send a message. “New York, you were incredible. The American swing wasn’t what I hoped for—no wins, confidence took a hit… but so many new experiences. At @usopen, the energy was unreal. Your support in the stands, your messages, your smiles—you carried me, even in defeat.”

He didn’t stop there. Gael Monfils admitted the stretch had been tough but promised he wasn’t going anywhere. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Not an easy stretch. Results haven’t gone my way and the confidence isn’t there yet. But I still believe. I’ll keep putting in the work to climb back, find my rhythm, and rebuild that confidence step by step. Next stop: the Asian swing. Back to work with determination and drive. Thank you for being with me—it means the world.”

At the Chengdu Open on September 18, Monfils came out firing against Alexander Shevchenko, edging the first set in a tight tiebreak, but midway through the second, disaster struck. He hopped backward, clutched his right ankle, and dropped to the court as the physio and even Shevchenko rushed in. True to character, he lightened the tense moment with a joke to the umpire and asked for “10 seconds” before bravely trying to push on. But the pain wouldn’t ease, and after slumping in his chair with a towel over his head, the Frenchman finally called it quits early in the decider.

This was sadly nothing new, his fifth retirement or withdrawal of the season. He had already pulled out of the Australian Open with a back injury, the BMW Open with physical issues, retired mid-match in Madrid, and exited Cincinnati before hitting a ball.

At 39, the battle with his own body feels like his toughest opponent yet. Now, with his retirement confirmed and time to heal, could 2026 bring one last joyful run? Share your thoughts in the comments below!