Gael Monfils will call a halt to his incredible career at the end of this season.
In October last year, Monfils announced his retirement from the sport, stating: “I am tremendously at peace with my decision to retire at the end of the 2026 tennis season.”
The Frenchman is playing the first tournament of his farewell campaign at the ASB Classic in Auckland, where he is the defending champion.
Ahead of his run in New Zealand, Monfils suggested there is one tournament this year he has his sights set on more than any other.
Gael Monfils reveals the tournaments he hopes to play in 2026
In his pre-tournament press conference, the 39-year-old gave a brief overview of what his final season will look like.
He said: “So far I’m looking maybe to go to South America after Australia, and then not much.
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“Paris (the French Open) will be the most important thing,” said Monfils, who reached the semifinals of Roland Garros back in 2008; his joint-best finish at a Grand Slam.
The 13-time ATP title winner continued: “If I can play in the US, it would be amazing, I love Indian Wells Masters and Miami Open. Then the US Open, and Monaco as well. Maybe 12 tournaments, if I’m lucky.”
Monfils’ first match of 2026 will be against Fabian Marozsan, whom he leads 2-1 in the head-to-head.
Gael Monfils says just being in Auckland is ‘a win’
Though he is the reigning champion in Auckland, a title defence has perhaps become less important to Monfils than in previous years.
“I’m not coming back as a defending champion in my head, because I’m coming back more like it’s my last tournament in Auckland, ever,” said the 2025 ASB Classic winner.
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“Of course, if I can somehow win again. It would be amazing. But I’m not defending anything this year, I’m just winning.
“I think to be on the court, it’s already a big win. And if I can win matches, it’s even better. But just the fact I’m here, it’s a big win for me.”
Monfils dropped just one set en route to the title in Auckland last year, which marked his first tour-level crown in two years.
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