Gael Monfils announced his incredible 21-year-long career will come to an end at the end of the next season.
In a post on social media, Monfils revealed he will retire following the conclusion of his 2026 campaign, stating he had ‘no regrets’ about never claiming a Grand Slam title.
Novak Djokovic reacted to the Frenchman’s announcement, thanking him for their battles over the years, as well as Stefanos Tsitsipas, who said it was ‘an honour’ to be on the receiving end of his shots.
Now, Serena Williams‘ former coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, weighed in on the former Grand Slam semifinalist’s emotional message.
Patrick Mouratoglou reacts to Gael Monfils’ retirement
In a post on Instagram, Mouratoglou said of his compatriot: “Gael Monfils is going to retire, and it is going to be such a loss for tennis because tennis needs players like him; they are so rare.
“He has the perfect balance between performance because he has had a very good career. He stayed for a long time in the top 10, played the semifinals of Grand Slams, and at the same time giving a crazy show.
“So spectacular. His physicality, he had his special shots that I remember, the helicopter, for example.
“I think in history there is only one Gael Monfils. He’s unique. He’s also a great competitor.”
Gael Monfils’ two Grand Slam semifinal runs during his career
Monfils came close to winning a Grand Slam during his career, having reached the semifinals twice and the quarterfinals ten times.
His first appearance in the final four of a major came at the French Open in 2008, where, after knocking out fifth seed David Ferrer, he bowed out to Roger Federer in four sets.
It was not until 2016 that Monfils would return to a Grand Slam semifinal, which he managed at the US Open.
At Flushing Meadows that year, he did not drop a set in five matches, but ultimately lost to Djokovic.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
