Gael Monfils has suffered an early exit at the ASB Classic in Auckland, having lifted the trophy in 2025.
Monfils lost his opener 7-5, 3-6, 4-6 to Fabian Marozsan at the ASB Classic, his first tournament of the season.
The Frenchman will retire from tennis at the end of the 2026 season, having turned professional all the way back in 2004.
Since then, Monfils has clinched 13 titles on the ATP Tour, and has risen as high as sixth in the world rankings.
You can bring one tennis legend out of retirement. Who do you pick and why?
Gael Monfils thankful despite early ASB Classic exit
Monfils was honored by the ASB Classic with a memento following his final appearance at the event, after which he wrote on Instagram: “Auckland. It was the last time playing here.
“Not the result I was hoping for today, but I gave everything I had, with what I have right now. Congrats to Fabian for today.
“It had been months since I competed at this level. Being back on court, feeling it again, sharing this incredible energy… it already means a lot.
“Thank you Auckland for the love, for the memories, and of course, last year will stay with me forever. I’m starting my final year on the main tour.
“Yes, I’m not as strong as I used to be. Yes, it’s harder. Yes, this year is different. And that’s part of the journey.
“I’ll try to win one match, then two, then three… and more if things go my way. But if I lose four, five, six or more, that’s OK too. We’re past that now.
“The real win for me is still being here. Stepping on court. Competing. Giving everything I have against the best in the world.
“It’s hard, of course it is. But what a privilege to live this, one last time. Even when I lose, I feel like a winner.
“Because I give everything. Because I still enjoy it. Because I’m fully living it. Because of the incredible love and energy I receive from the people. Playing with love, always.”
Gael Monfils will be sorely missed by tennis fans upon retiring
Monfils was as always humble in defeat, with the Frenchman rightfully applauded for his efforts despite the loss.
He will be sorely missed at the ASB Classic in Auckland and indeed at all the other tournaments that he’s appeared at over the years.
Importantly, he’s still impressing at 39 years old, although he admittedly isn’t the player that he once was.
But Monfils, who is currently ranked 110th on the ATP Tour, undoubtedly still has one or two more tricks up his sleeve before retiring.
He has blown away fans and indeed many of his opponents over the years with countless sublime shots, which he looks set to continue producing right until the very end.
Very fittingly, his wife and WTA star Elina Svitolina won the ASB Classic earlier this week, with Monfils having been in attendance for the victory.
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