Forgive me if this reads more like sentiment and reminiscence than analysis. As someone who has long deemed Gael Monfils my favorite player, there’s no other way to do this.
Being a Monfils fan was a rollercoaster you didn’t necessarily enjoy. You desperately wanted this exceptionally talented player to truly tap into his potential. Yet, you simply couldn’t look away, even when he was doing his best to implode on court for no discernible reason.
Monfils never reached the heights his junior career promised. But he became great in the way he possibly enjoys most: he’s etched forever in the hearts of fans. With 2026 set to be his final season on Tour, let’s revisit what he did in 2025 and, more importantly, why it matters.
Gael Monfils 2025 Season Review
Father Time
Gael Monfils became a father a few years ago, but Father Time had caught up with him long before that. The last time he played over 50 matches was in 2019, when he was 33. Anyone who followed his career knows this wasn’t surprising. He spent a considerable portion of his prime injured.
For all his athletic prowess, his body remained surprisingly fragile, though he somehow managed to compete at the highest level until nearly 40. The Frenchman didn’t help himself with a playing style that relied more on athleticism than power, even as he evolved into a more aggressive player over time, adapting as his body demanded.
Given this reality, it’s hardly shocking that Monfils played just 33 matches in 2024. Recurring injuries played their part, but there was something else at work. Somewhere along the line, it dawned on him that the end was near. When he finally announced his retirement for 2026, it was a bittersweet moment for everyone who’d followed his journey.
The Recap
The 2025 season started well for Monfils, as it traditionally does. Australia has always been the one stretch where he arrives relatively healthy, and his results reflected it. He captured the Auckland title, a touching moment for a player who lifted surprisingly few trophies across his career.
It was only his 13th title despite reaching 35 finals. Think about that ratio for a moment.
The Australian Open brought another solid run, but physical problems derailed him in an epic showdown with Ben Shelton, who grew up idolizing Monfils like so many others. There were decent showings at Indian Wells and Miami, but poor results and unclear health marred the rest of the season.
Since Miami, Monfils failed to string together two consecutive wins for the remainder of the year. His final victory of 2025 came on July 1st at Wimbledon. After that, we watched him play five more matches, losing them all. It was clear the end was approaching.
Why Monfils Matters
So why will his 2026 season matter? Why does his career matter in the end?
For a few reasons.
Everyone loves Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and the other mad geniuses who’ve played tennis at such an otherworldly level it defies comprehension. But there are also those players who are there for the sheer joy of it.
Monfils was that player. He always appeared to be having fun on court, even when losing his thousandth match against Djokovic. There was always a smile, always playfulness, always trick shots, and impossible gets. For a neutral fan, that’s exactly what you want to see.
Yes, it’s inspiring when Djokovic dismantles someone 6-2, 6-2. But there’s another kind of inspiration too. You need both to draw people to tennis. Not every tennis fan plays the sport, but they watch it. And if you can provide a genuinely entertaining experience, you’re doing something valuable.
Monfils might have never reached his full potential. Deep down, he might regret certain choices he made throughout his career. But one thing he’ll never regret is capturing the hearts of countless fans. And he truly did.
A fan favorite wherever he goes, Monfils will stage a farewell tour in 2026. He won’t be there to win matches or lift trophies, though, but don’t discount his competitive spirit entirely. He’ll be there to do it one more time for the fans.
And he’ll do it, whatever the cost. Even if he’s injured or hurting, he’ll be there doing the Monfils thing: sliding across every surface, chasing down impossible balls, throwing in an occasional between-the-legs shot, giving fans one last chance to witness the beautiful chaos that defined his career.
That’s why the 2026 season matters for Monfils. It might be one of the most epic send-offs tennis has ever seen.
Hopefully.
Let’s keep our fingers crossed that his body cooperates one final time and grants him the dignity of a proper farewell. Because if anyone deserves a showman’s sendoff, it’s Gael Monfils. The man who reminded us that tennis, at its best, should make you smile.
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports
