French tennis player Gael Monfils reportedly learnt that Elina Svitolina wanted to end their marriage during via a phone call in late September, a development that may have accelerated the Frenchman’s sudden exit from professional tennis, according to French sports newspaper L’Equipe.
The former world No. 6, 40, was reportedly in Dubai when Svitolina called to inform him of her decision. The Ukrainian tennis star was travelling to China at the time, towards the end of September, and the call is said to have left Monfils deeply shaken.
According to L’Equipe’s account, Monfils was at home in Dubai with the couple’s daughter, Skai, when he received the news. The report suggests that the personal upheaval left him with little desire to continue his farewell tour, bringing an abrupt end to a career he had planned to conclude after the 2026 season.
Monfils’ retirement was officially recorded by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) on October 5. The development went largely unnoticed until reports emerged this week, with an ITIA spokesperson confirming to Reuters that the Frenchman had been added to its retired players list.
His decision came weeks before he was expected to begin the final stretch of his farewell season. Monfils had announced in October 2025 that 2026 would be his last year on the professional tour, with tournaments in Lyon and Vienna expected to precede a final appearance at the Paris Masters in November.
The reported circumstances surrounding his retirement have since drawn fresh attention following Svitolina’s public announcement that the couple were separating.
SVITOLINA ANNOUNCES END OF MARRIAGE
Svitolina announced the end of her marriage in a social media post on October 19. The Ukrainian spoke about the emotional toll of Russia’s war against her country and her need to rediscover herself outside the relationship.
The couple married in July 2021 and have a daughter, Skai, who was born in October 2022. They had been one of tennis’ most recognisable couples, with both continuing to compete on the professional circuit after their marriage.
Svitolina described the decision to separate as one of the hardest of her life and attributed it to the Ukraine-Russia war. She stated that she needed to discover herself outside of their marriage.
She later issued a further statement addressing the speculation surrounding their separation and Monfils’ sudden retirement. Svitolina said the situation was more complicated than a single public statement could convey and defended Monfils against accusations that emerged following news of his withdrawal from the sport.
Her comments also drew attention to the timing of his retirement. While Monfils had already planned to stop playing at the end of the 2026 season, L’Equipe’s report suggests that the breakdown of the marriage brought that decision forward.
Monfils has not publicly commented on the separation yet.
MONFILS’ FAREWELL SEASON CUT SHORT
Monfils had intended to finish his career on his own terms, with a final run of tournaments that would give fans an opportunity to celebrate his achievements. The Paris Masters, in particular, offered a natural setting for a farewell, given his popularity among French supporters.
Instead, his professional career ended with little fanfare. His final match came at the US Open in September, where he lost to American Learner Tien in the second round.
The Frenchman had also been expected to compete in Lyon and Vienna before travelling to Paris. His withdrawal from the anti-doping testing pool, however, effectively brought those plans to an end.
A CAREER TO REMEMBER
Monfils turned professional in 2004 at the age of 18 and quickly established himself as one of the most exciting players on the ATP Tour. Renowned for his extraordinary athleticism, spectacular shot-making and entertaining style, he became a fan favourite across the tennis world.
The Frenchman won 13 ATP Tour singles titles during his career, claiming his first in Poland in 2005 and his most recent in Auckland in January 2025. He reached a career-high ranking of world No. 6 in 2016 and recorded 587 career victories.
Although a Grand Slam title eluded him, Monfils reached the semi-finals of the French Open in 2008 and the US Open in 2016. His ability to produce acrobatic retrievals and turn difficult defensive positions into attacking opportunities made him one of the most distinctive performers of his generation.
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