Gael Monfils in action in Auckland. Photo: www.photosport.nz
ASB Classic winner and former world number six Gael Monfils will retire at the end of next season.
Known for his athleticism and flair, Monfils has won 13 ATP Tour titles, the latest of which came in Auckland in January, nearly 20 years after his first in Poland in 2005.
His victory in the ASB Classic made him the oldest player to win an ATP Tour title at 38 years and four months.
"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," Monfils wrote on social media.
"The opportunity to turn my passion into a profession is a privilege I have cherished during every match and moment of my 21-year career.
"Though this game means the world to me, I am tremendously at peace with my decision to retire at the end of the 2026 tennis season."
Gael Monfils of France with the trophy after defeating Zizou Bergs of Belgium to win the 2025 Men's ASB Classic in Auckland last Janunary. Photo: www.photosport.nz
Monfils will be defending his Auckland title in January.
Tournament director Nicolas Lamperin said: "Gaël is one of the most popular players on (the) tour. His planned retirement marks the end of an era, and we are honoured he has chosen to make the ASB Classic part of his farewell season."
Monfils has reached two Grand Slam semi-finals, losing both at the French Open in 2008 and the 2016 US Open, but said he would sign off without any regrets.
"Life is too short," he added. "Believe me when I say that I have no regrets. What I do have is the feeling that I have been lucky: insanely, stupidly lucky."
- Reuters/RNZ
