Committed to defending his title in Auckland from January 12, Gaël Monfils spoke, in a brief publication on his social networks, of this last season as a professional tennis player who awaits him, sharing in passing a touching moment experienced with his daughter.
At the end of the 2026 season, the men’s tennis circuit will see Gaël Monfils retire as a professional athlete after more than twenty years competing in tournaments across the globe. In a few months, “la Monf” will close the book on a great career marked by thirteen tournament victories on the ATP circuit, masterful performances in Grand Slams and notably at Roland-Garros, and two Davis Cup finals with the French team (2010, 2014).
“In his eyes, I will always be a hero”
While waiting for this retirement, there still remains a final chapter to write for Gaël Monfils, who, injured during the month of September, has been able to take the time, since having recovered, to fine-tune his preparation as best as possible in view of the first deadlines of 2026. A first deadline which is arriving quickly since the 39-year-old player will defend his title near Auckland in New Zealand from January 12. In a publication shared on his social networks, Gaël Monfils looked back on the year that awaits him, saying: “Today, I am leaving for what will be my last tennis season. An important chapter in my life. »
While he was able to spend the holidays with his family, Gaël Monfils took advantage of his publication to share a touching exchange he had with his daughter just before his departure: “My daughter said to me: ‘Dad, what if we put on our masks and became superheroes?’ » She, with her Spider-Man mask, me with my Black Panther mask. Because in his eyes, I will always be a hero. And because thanks to his gaze, we can face the world together. I leave with this invisible mask on my heart. » A final season, synonymous with the last dance for “la Monf” who concludes: “With pride. With gratitude. With love. One last season. For her. In my opinion. For everything tennis has given me. »
