Gael Monfils looks to a future away from tennis: "I really want to try it after my career"

Gael Monfils is contemplating a retirement plan far from the tennis courts as his retirement seems to be approaching. The 38-year-old Frenchman responded to an interview with Express Sport, revealing his plans once he ends his career.

In a year filled with retirements – such as Rafael Nadal (38) and Andy Murray (37) – Gael Monfils remains competitive on the Tour as world No. 55 and is the oldest player ranked in the top 100. In fact, only three other players aged 38 or older remain active: Stan Wawrinka (39, No. 161), Ivan Nedelko (38, No. 916), and Richard Gasquet (38, No. 129).

Monfils reflects on his future beyond tennis

For many tennis players, after retiring, they take on roles close to the sport, often becoming coaches, tournament directors, or even tennis commentators. However, Monfils envisions a very different career path from his life on the Tour.

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“I want to work in a financial way. I want to work in a bank,” the former world No. 6 told Express Sports. “I’ve done some internships when I was off the court. I’ve always been a bit curious about that side, and then I’ve been reading a lot, and I tried it out a little bit. I had an opportunity to work a little bit in a private bank.”

“I met very curious, very interesting people who gave me this passion, and I think I really want to try it after my career,” Monfils added, mentioning that he studied for exams while injured. “It was information, to understand how everything works.”

“From the private banking system, to the commercial part, how to talk to clients, wealth management, so you know about the economy and all the other stuff, it was quite interesting. I had some homework to do, and then I passed some exams. It was very interesting.”

Gael Monfils at 2024 US Open, he lost in second round against Casper Ruud (4-6, 2-6, 6-2, 6-7)

At the moment, Monfils is not ready to give a possible retirement date and continues to express his desire to compete on the Tour for some time. “It’s never easy, but we know that it’s coming, we’re ageing,” he explained. “But for sure, it’s never the same because we’re used to seeing the same faces for the last 20 years, and now we have new faces. But soon, I’ll be with those guys out, so it’s okay.”

“I don’t really know [when I’ll stop] because sometimes you want to play more, sometimes not. So many aspects of life can make the decision change every day. It’s really hard to say.”

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The Frenchman added that he hopes to reevaluate his goals for the next season after achieving his big goal for 2024. “I need to think about it, to be honest, because I had this goal to qualify for the Olympics, and I’ve done it. Now, I didn’t have time to really sit down with myself and think about it. So far, the main goal is to enjoy on the court and see what happens.”