French tennis player Gael Monfils has decided to end his professional career ahead of schedule, abandoning his original plan for farewell appearances on home courts. The 2026 season, which was supposed to be the final one for the 40-year-old athlete, was effectively wrapped up as early as October when he was officially given retired-player status. Thus, one of the most vibrant and charismatic representatives of men's tennis left the court earlier than planned — and, according to Sport RBC.UA, personal circumstances related to his breakup with Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina played a key role in this decision.
Official Status and Loss of ATP Tournament Rights
The end of his career was institutionalized in October when Monfils officially received retired player status, confirmed by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). As a result, the Frenchman automatically lost the right to participate in ATP series tournaments. This means his name has been removed from active tour lists, and further appearances in professional competitions within the association are closed to him.
Cancellation of Farewell Tournaments in Lyon and Paris
The initial plan envisioned Monfils playing farewell matches in front of home crowds in Lyon and at the Paris Masters. However, these appearances were canceled. According to reports, the main reason was the athlete's desire to avoid excessive publicity and heightened press attention amid his separation from Elina Svitolina. Thus, an emotionally intense period in his personal life directly impacted his sporting trajectory and deprived the French audience of the planned farewell show.
Possible Court Appearance Only in December in Geneva
Gael's only probable appearance on the court in the near future is expected in December in Geneva. An exhibition gala evening is planned there to mark the career conclusion of another prominent tennis player, Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka. It is at this event that Monfils will likely be able to return to the court in a non-competitive format, which will effectively be his final public sporting event.
Divorce Announcement and the Impact of War
Elina Svitolina announced the end of their marriage on Instagram on Monday, October 19. The Ukrainian tennis player also spoke about the impact of the war on her emotional state and her relationship with the Frenchman. This statement became the public starting point in the couple's personal history and essentially explained Monfils's abrupt change of plans in the sports sphere.
Relationship History: From Marriage to Mixed Doubles
Svitolina and Monfils married in 2021 after two years of dating, and in October 2022, the couple welcomed their daughter, Skai. In 2026, the pair played mixed doubles together at the official level for the first time in their careers, reaching the semifinals at the US Open. Notably, it was previously reported that Elina Svitolina's participation in the WTA Finals is guaranteed, highlighting that despite personal changes, her professional career continues in full.
