Gael Monfils is one of tennis’ most adored characters, having entertained fans for over two decades now.
The talented Frenchman, who reached a career-high ranking of sixth in the world, has enjoyed a hugely impressive career, even if he never managed to hone his talents into a genuine run for a Grand Slam title.
Alas, he will depart the sport as a legend regardless, with Monfils recently revealing that he will retire at the end of this season.
Tennis will be worse off without his charm on and off the court, but before he does go, the 39-year-old will be keen to leave his last few marks on the sport.
Fortunately, with his latest win at the Monte Carlo Masters, he has certainly done just that.
Gael Monfils surges past Rafael Nadal on list including Novak Djokovic
After all, having come from a set down to beat Tallon Griekspoor just yesterday, Gael Monfils has actually surpassed Rafael Nadal on a rather elite list which also consists of names like Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka.
There’s a common theme with these superstars and this list, and it is incredible longevity.
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After all, by winning his first-round match in Monaco, Monfils extended his timespan between first and most recent appearances at a Masters 1000 event to 21 years and 156 days.
This run started at the Paris Masters in 2004 and has just received a boost here at the Monte Carlo Masters.
What’s even more exciting is that he’s expected to continue extending it throughout the year as he bids farewell to each new event.
For reference, Nadal’s timespan is 21 years and just 28 days.
Monfils is now second on the list behind only Richard Gasquet, who is just two days short of having a 23-year gap between his first and most recent appearance at an event of this magnitude.
What Gael Monfils has said about his retirement
With each passing tournament comes a chance for Monfils to say goodbye, as both he and Stan Wawrinka depart the sport at the end of 2026, two legends of the men’s game in their own right.
However, we have known that the former of this duo was planning to call time on his career back in October of last year, when he released a statement that read: “I had a racket in my hands for the first time at two and a half, and began playing professionally at 18.
”Now, after celebrating my 39th birthday just a month ago, I’d like to share that the year ahead will be my last as a professional tennis player.”
John Isner admitted he had been surprised by Monfils after his retirement announcement, which he concluded by writing: “When you love something so much, it never feels like a good time to say goodbye. But 40 will be the right time for me.
“Of course, winning one more title before I’m done would be truly incredible. Truthfully though, my only real goal for the year ahead is simple. To enjoy every minute, and to play each match like it’s my last.”
