Gael Monfils has been one of tennis’ most entertaining figures for the past two decades, but sadly, this year will be his last on tour.
At 39 years of age, the Frenchman has enjoyed a sparkling career laden with success and moments of skill that have dazzled fans.
Even if he has massively reduced his schedule, his total absence will be felt heavily.
However, at least we now know what his immediate plans are for after his retirement, courtesy of his wife, Elina Svitolina.
Elina Svitolina reveals Gael Monfils’ retirement plan
Chatting with Mark Petchey on the Big T podcast, the Ukrainian superstar was more than happy to discuss Gael Monfils, after explaining her incredible run of form ever since her return to tennis.
“He’s good,” she began, outlining how much he is enjoying staying at home with their daughter.
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Svitolina added: “It’s great to see him off court and just being and enjoying it.
“So, of course, you know, lots of pressure for him for this year, but also I think, you know, very special moments for him and especially with Roland Garros coming up, it’s going to be special for everybody. So we’re going to save some tears for that occasion.
“But I think it’s just incredible to be next to him and really supporting him on this journey.”
Petchey, keen to get an insight into Monfils’ plans for after retirement, had to pose the question to his wife. She actually offered a rather surprising update: “Yeah, he is ready for it, and he cannot wait for the journey. He already knows what he’s going to do. He’s going to be in finance.
“Yeah, he’s looking forward to it and telling me all about it, and you know, I think he’s the kind of person that thinks a few steps ahead. And I am the same.
“So I think, you know, with this we are quite safe, I would say. I think even a couple of years back, he was telling me that that’s what he wants to do, and he was preparing his ground for that, and now it’s all sorted. From the first of January, he’s putting on his suit and going from 9 to 5.”
French tennis is in good hands despite Gael Monfils’ retirement
Whilst French tennis will dearly miss their great showman, it’s fair to say that they are in good hands.
After all, just last month, Arthur Fils actually equalled Monfils’ historic French record, in what seemed like a real passing of the torch moment.
This 21-year-old sensation has enjoyed a remarkable return to tennis after such an injury-hit 2025 season, and is being tipped by many as the man to soon challenge Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
And, the two have already shared plenty of conversations too, with Fils stating last year: “He has helped me a lot, both on and off the court, to become a good man and grow up. He’s a very kind person, and when I was young, I used to watch him play.
“The incredible points he made… For us French, he’s a legend.”
Two years earlier, in 2023, Monfils had already claimed: “I’ve known him for a long time. We’ve been chatting, even before he cracked the Top 100 and before he won his first title. I always told him, ‘Feel free to call me.’ He’s from France, so I want to protect him.”
