Gael Monfils, one of tennis' most electrifying entertainers for nearly two decades, is set to hang up his racket at the end of this season. At 39, the French showman has treated fans to a career full of jaw-dropping highlights and unforgettable moments that will echo through the sport's history. While his schedule has lightened in recent years, his absence from the tour will leave a noticeable gap.
But thanks to his wife, fellow tennis star Elina Svitolina, we now have a glimpse into what lies ahead for the beloved player. During an appearance on the *Big T* podcast with Mark Petchey, Svitolina opened up about her husband's transition—especially after returning from injury in impressive form. "He's good," she shared, noting how much he's relishing quality time at home with their daughter. "It's great to see him off court and just being and enjoying it."
Svitolina acknowledged the emotional weight of Monfils' farewell tour: "Lots of pressure for him this year, but also very special moments. Especially with Roland Garros coming up, it's going to be special for everybody. We're going to save some tears for that occasion." She added, "It's just incredible to be next to him and really supporting him on this journey."
When pressed about Monfils' post-retirement plans, Svitolina revealed a clear vision: "Yeah, he is ready for it. He cannot wait for the journey. He already knows what he is going to do. He's going into finance. He has been talking about it and looking forward to it already. I think he is the kind of person that thinks quite a few steps ahead—so am I—so I would say we are in good shape."
While fans will undoubtedly miss one of the sport's most charismatic personalities, the future of French tennis looks bright. Just last month, rising star Arthur Fils matched a long-standing record held by Monfils, signaling a natural passing of the torch. At just 21, Fils has bounced back from an injury setback and is already making waves—proving that the next generation is ready to step into the spotlight.
