Gael Monfils Retires From Professional Tennis
The 40-year-old French player ends his career following the announcement of his divorce from Elina Svitolina.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Tennis
Gael Monfils has retired from professional tennis after removing himself from the International Tennis Integrity Agency anti-doping testing pool on October 5. His departure from the sport follows the announcement that he and his wife, Elina Svitolina, are divorcing after a five-year marriage.
Why it matters
The decision marks the end of a 21-year career for the veteran player, which concluded after his final grand slam appearance at the US Open in September 2026. Svitolina cited the ongoing war in Ukraine and its subsequent impact on her mental health as the primary reasons for the dissolution of their marriage.
Monfils secured 13 ATP Tour singles titles over his 21-year career, while Elina Svitolina currently holds a No. 6 world ranking. The couple shared a seven-year relationship and a five-year marriage.
The players
Gael Monfils
He is a 40-year-old professional tennis player from France who won 13 ATP Tour singles titles.
Elina Svitolina
She is a professional tennis player from Ukraine who is currently ranked No. 6 in the world.
International Tennis Integrity Agency
This is the governing body responsible for overseeing anti-doping testing protocols for professional tennis players.
The details
Monfils confirmed his retirement by withdrawing from the anti-doping testing registry, which effectively renders him ineligible for future tour competition unless he rejoins the pool for a six-month period. The couple announced their split on October 19, concluding a partnership that began seven years ago.
Timeline
Monfils won his first ATP singles title in 2005.
Monfils captured his final ATP singles title in January 2025.
Monfils played his final grand slam match at the US Open in September 2026.
Monfils removed himself from the anti-doping pool on October 5, 2026.
The divorce announcement was made on October 19, 2026.
The Stats
The International Tennis Integrity Agency anti-doping testing pool mandates that athletes remain in the registry for six months before they are eligible to return to competition. Monfils' removal from this list serves as the definitive end to his professional career.
Fans tracking the sport will note the vacancy in upcoming tournament draws previously associated with Monfils' ranking. The focus now shifts to Svitolina's performance at the upcoming WTA finals in Indian Wells as she continues her career.
The takeaway
The retirement of a veteran athlete often marks the conclusion of an era within the sport. Understanding the intersection of personal life and professional demands can provide context for how elite athletes transition away from the court.
What happens next
Elina Svitolina is scheduled to compete in the WTA finals held in Indian Wells next month.
Further reading
Find more updates and historical player records on the Tennis news page.
