
via Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND – July 11: Elina Svitolina of the Ukraine with her partner Gael Monfils of France warming up before her semifinal match on Centre Court during the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club at Wimbledon on July 11, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

via Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND – July 11: Elina Svitolina of the Ukraine with her partner Gael Monfils of France warming up before her semifinal match on Centre Court during the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club at Wimbledon on July 11, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
In this era, we have a few tennis couples who are actively playing on tour. Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina are a power couple who have been playing in tournaments week after week. While Svitolina is still in her prime, Monfils is nearing the age where he might hang up the racket. With a possibility of retirement on the horizon, Monfils talked about his desire to play a mixed doubles tournament with his wife before he calls it quits.
Without a doubt, Monfils is finding it difficult to continue playing at the same level he did during his prime. After a plethora of injuries, the player was considering leaving for good, but his wife inspired him to carry his efforts further. Now, the 35-year-old can inspire his wife to play mixed doubles in the near future.
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Gael Monfils shares dreams of mixed doubles with Elina Svitolina
The French player is known for his acrobatic approach to tennis. When Monfils played, the viewers could expect a highly entertaining match, and the former number 6 always delivered. However, several injuries and aging have made it difficult for him to keep up his normal take on the sport. While he still plays, he is nearing the twilight of his career.
When asked about the possibility of a mixed doubles tour with his wife before retirement, Monfils stated, “You know, why not to play once a mixed double? Why not? But the thing is you know, it’s tough for me to play singles and doubles. But I feel like when it will be the end, I will try to double up. And hopefully it’s not next year!“
I asked Monfils re: mixed dubs with Svitolina:
“You know, why not to play once a mixed double? Why not? But the thing is you know, it’s tough for me to play singles and doubles. But I feel like when it will be the end, I will try to double up. And hopefully it’s not next year!” pic.twitter.com/IlXmibXTEf
— Mike McIntyre (@McIntyreTennis) August 9, 2023
Monfils gave his answer after his second-round bout in the Canadian Open. He faced Stefanos Tsitsipas and overcame the rank four in straight sets. With constant support from his fans and his wife, Monfils has continued his dedication to the sport. But La Monf also hinted at retirement not too far away.
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Monfils on retirement
Monfils has not had an easy path in the last few years. In fact, facing injuries time and again, the player finds it difficult to keep up with the demands of the sport. He has hinted at retirement a few times. Most recently, it came after a disappointing exit from the Citi Open. In an interview with Racquet Mag, he discussed his retirement, which can be borne by many factors such his age and injuries.
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Additionally, he stated that with the youngsters playing even better, it becomes harder for him to continue playing at his 100%. While he has started the dialogue of his exit, he has yet to confirm it.
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