Gael Monfils’ recent retirement announcement prompted an outpouring of emotion directed towards the French icon.
Monfils, a winner of 13 ATP singles titles, is widely regarded as one of tennis’ greatest ever entertainers and an athletic phenomenon who frequently dazzles tennis crowds with an array of sublime shots.
The two-time Grand Slam semi-finalist will be sorely missed after his retirement at the end of 2026; his passion for the sport and the connection he has with fans are two qualities often undervalued.
The 39-year-old, still considered one of the fastest players on Tour, made his ATP Tour debut aged 17 years at the Moselle Open in 2004 and has continued to compete for 21 years.
Monfils is truly a great of the sport, and his longevity in the game must be applauded.
John Isner ‘totally surprised’ by Gael Monfils’ longevity
Gael Monfils’ longevity is almost unmatched in professional tennis, perhaps only by Stan Wawrinka.
During his 21-year career, the Frenchman has played 933 ATP Tour matches, winning 583 of those contests.
He has reached 35 ATP Tour finals, winning 13, and has reached a career-high singles ranking of world number six.
Monfils’ longevity has been recognised by John Isner, who played on the ATP Tour for 16 years.
Speaking on the Nothing Major podcast, Isner said: “He [Monfils] has been amazing for the game. His longevity has totally surprised me. 10 years ago you were seeing him in the court and it looked like he had tape all over his body.
“It looked like he had a hospital on his knee. His elbow was taped up. He had double tape on both of his knees, and he was clearly hampered, but his body started co-operating later in his career, so he played clearly very well from 35 years old until what he is right now, which is 38 or 39.
“That is something that I did not expect, so kudos to him for figuring out his body because he had a lot of physical issues throughout his career, and it seems the last four years of his career he has been the most healthy.”
Gael Monfils’ first ATP Tour match
Gael Monfils contested his first ATP Tour match at the 2004 Moselle [Metz] Open in France.
Aged 17, Monfils would go on to claim his first ATP Tour victory, defeating Xavier Malisse in the first round.
Monfils then doubled his win total by defeating Olivier Patience in the second round, before losing to compatriot Richard Gasquet.
Monfils won the title five years later, defeating Philipp Kohlschreiber 7–6, 3–6, 6–2.
In January, Monfils became the oldest winner of an ATP Tour title, capturing his 13th title at the Auckland Open. Monfils was aged 38.
