Gael Monfils to retire from tennis in 2026

Gael Monfils says he feels "stupidly lucky" to have played in a golden era of tennis after announcing he will retire at the end of the 2026 season.

The 39-year-old has won 13 titles in his career and became the oldest ATP Tour champion at the age of 38 and four months when he won the Auckland Open in January.

Monfils' athleticism and all-action displays made him one of the most popular players on tour.

However, the world number 53 has struggled with injuries in recent years and he was forced to retire from last month's Chengdu Open with an ankle problem.

"Life is too short. Believe me when I say that I have no regrets," Monfils wrote on Instagram.

"What I do have is the feeling that I have been lucky: insanely, stupidly lucky. I've had the chance to play during a golden age of tennis, alongside some of the greatest names in the history of our sport: Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Murray.

"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."

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