Gael Monfils Honoured With Emotional Farewell Ceremony in Paris
French tennis favourite Gael Monfils received a special on-court send-off in Paris following his retirement from professional tennis after a 22-year career. Joined by several of his long-time peers, the 40-year-old thanked the fans for their support and shared an emotional message dedicated to his daughter.
Gael Monfils was celebrated with a memorable farewell ceremony in Paris to commemorate the end of his 22-year career as a professional tennis player. While the 40-year-old had originally planned to conclude his playing days at this week's Paris Masters, he instead retired quietly last month amid the end of his marriage to fellow player Elina Svitolina.
A special on-court tribute brought several of Monfils' French contemporaries together, with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gilles Simon, Richard Gasquet, and Benoit Paire joining him to mark the occasion.
Addressing those in attendance, Monfils acknowledged that bidding farewell was an exceedingly difficult moment. He described the supportive crowd as the greatest gift the world had given him and thanked fans both present and watching from home for helping him realize his dreams throughout an extraordinary story that exceeded anything he could have imagined.
Monfils also shared a heartfelt message directed to his daughter, Skai, who was born in October 2022 following his July 2021 marriage to Svitolina. He reflected on his love for the sport and his upbringing in Paris surrounded by passionate supporters, expressing his deepest wish that his daughter would become a champion in whatever path she chooses and perhaps compete in Paris in the future.
Celebrated as one of the most charismatic figures of his era, Monfils established a reputation for his athleticism, flair, and ability to entertain spectators. Over the course of his professional tenure, he captured 13 ATP Tour singles titles, claiming his first in Poland in 2005 and his final tournament victory in Auckland in January 2025.
At the Grand Slam level, Monfils achieved his best results by reaching the semi-finals at the French Open in 2008 and the US Open in 2016. His Grand Slam career came to a close at this year's US Open following a second-round defeat against American Learner Tien.