Gaël Monfils bids farewell to Grand Slams at the 2026 US Open
Due to retire at the end of the season, French veteran star Gaël Monfils bid an emotional farewell to the Grand Slams at the ongoing US Open in New York. He played his final Slam match in the second round of the US Open, losing to American player Lerner Tien in straight sets (3–6, 4–6, 3–6).
It was a fitting farewell. Monfils first arrived at the Flushing Meadows as a junior in 2003, not knowing he would make his final appearance here 23 years later.
The charismatic Frenchman has been known for his flamboyant game, agility, entertainment, trick shots, and longevity in the sport. In a career spanning more than two decades, Monfils has won 13 Tour-level titles from 35 final appearances. Although he didn’t win an ATP Singles Masters title, he reached three finals: the 2009 Paris Masters, the 2010 Paris Masters, and the 2016 Monte-Carlo Masters. He is also a two-time Davis Cup runner-up in 2010 and 2014.
He reached a career-high ranking of world No. 6, breaking into the top ten in 2007. Monfils was also unlucky in a way, having played in the “Big Three” era and hence having had very little opportunity to win a major title. His best performances at a Slam are two semi-final appearances: one at the 2008 French Open and the other at the 2016 US Open.
Some players are not just defined by titles, but the amount of joy they bring to the game. Monfils, or “La Monf”, is definitely one of those players. Even at the age of 40, he ran around the court like a madman, trying to chase every ball and producing incredible highlight reels. Every player brings their own positive energy and personality to the courts, and not only has Monfils been a fun personality over the course of his career, but he’s also an incredible person whom everyone speaks highly of on the ATP Tour.
Most professional tennis players either go into coaching or broadcasting after they retire. However, surprisingly, Monfils has chosen the world of finance as his choice of employment post retiring from the sport. He has already signed up to work for a Swiss wealth management company, swapping a racquet for spreadsheets. It’s an unusual choice of profession switch for a sportsperson, and one quite unheard of in tennis circles. His connection to tennis would definitely continue through his wife Elena Svitolina, who is also a professional tennis player on the WTA Tour.
Monfils had announced in October last year that he would retire from professional tennis at the end of 2026, calling it his “last dance”. As the eternal entertainer leaves the tennis courts, the entire tennis fandom will miss his tricks, his cheeky smile, and, above all, the unbridled joy he brought to his fans no matter what the result.
Sports is a brutal world, and while sportspersons are judged mainly by success and failure, there are a few exceptional characters like Monfils, who will forever be remembered for the wonderful moments on the court with his infectious smile, athleticism, trickery, and charisma.
