Gael Monfils will kick-start his final season in professional tennis at this year’s ASB Classic in Auckland.
In October, Monfils announced he would retire from tennis at the end of the 2026 season, calling a halt to an enthralling career.
The Frenchman has been one of the most entertaining stars on the ATP Tour for the best part of two decades, and has claimed 13 titles, as well as a career-high ranking of sixth in the world.
Monfils is the reigning champion in Auckland, having secured the trophy in 2025 after beating Zizou Bergs in the final.
Now, ahead of his title defence, the 39-year-old has revealed the moment he decided to announce his retirement.
Gael Monfils discusses his decision to retire from tennis
In his pre-tournament press conference, Monfils said: “I knew it for a long time. Nico [Lamperin] kept the secret, but we’ve known since, like, the US tour, that, you know, I wanted to announce a little bit at that time.
“But I felt it was right also to announce to my close one a little bit before, and then of course time flies, so my big announcement was in October, but I knew it for a long time.
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“I felt like at that moment it was the right moment. I was asking myself if I would have played in 2026, because as I say I knew for a long time and then obviously I love tennis, I love the sport.
“I said, alright, I will give it a couple [of] tournaments, because it’s not many tournaments that I will play, but [a] couple tournaments that I really like, and so that’s why for me it’s a win here.
“I’m happy with the decision, and I can’t wait to see this last year,” concluded Monfils.
Gael Monfils’ first opponent at the ASB Classic in Auckland
Monfils’ first test at the ASB Classic comes in the form of Fabian Marozsan, whom he has faced three times before on the tour.
Marozsan won their first meeting in 2024, which also came in Auckland, winning in a close three-set clash.
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In 2025, Monfils earned revenge in the first round of the Miami Open, overcoming the Hungarian 6-3, 3-6, 6-4.
Their most recent bout was on the clay courts of the Monte Carlo Masters, where Monfils took the lead in the head-to-head.
There, he came back from a set down in the second round to win 4-6, 6-1, 6-1.
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