French tennis star and fan favorite Gael Monfils will retire from professional tennis at the end of the 2026 season, he announced Wednesday.

“I held a racket in my hands for the first time at two and a half, and began playing professionally at 18,” he wrote in an Instagram post . “Now, after celebrating my 39th birthday just a month ago, I’d like to share that the year ahead will be my last as a professional tennis player.

“The opportunity to turn my passion into a profession is a privilege I have cherished during every match and moment of my 21-year career. Though this game means the world to me, I am tremendously at peace with my decision to retire at the end of the 2026 season.”

Monfils, 39, made his pro debut on the ATP Tour in 2004. He rose to a career-high No. 6 in the PIF ATP r

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