Gael Monfils' tennis career has new lease of life after accepting blockbuster Davis Cup role

That seemed to be that for Gael Monfils in terms of his tennis career. A supposed goodbye at the Paris Masters did not materialise as it was supposed to after personal news opted him to abruptly retire from tennis slightly earlier than planned. However, he is not done with tennis yet.

Monfils has been named as the captain of the France Davis Cup team. A huge honour for the Frenchman, who will relish this new role. He succeeds Paul-Henri Mathieu, who was in that role from 2024.

The news was confirmed by the French Tennis Federation on their website. This was a huge surprise for tennis fans. Originally set to leave tennis for good, Monfils had a life away from the sport lined up in the world of finance.

While this career aspiration may still be on, he has now got the honour of leading his country in the prestigious tennis tournament. He was full of immense pride as he spoke on this news. "It is a great source of pride to become captain of the French national team. This blue jersey represents so much to me. I want to build a real collective project and create the dynamic that will allow us to win titles together."

Gilles Moretton, President of the French Tennis Federation, also expressed his delight. "We are very happy to welcome Gaël as head coach of the French team. We are convinced that his infectious energy and enthusiasm will be valuable assets in advancing the ambitions of French tennis. I would also like to acknowledge the work done by Paul-Henri, who notably enabled our team to return to the Davis Cup Final 8."

Monfils has represented his country on the big stage numerous times, never getting over the finishing line. He reached the Davis Cup Final twice in 2010 and 2014, failing to prevail. He last featured for his country in the Davis Cup Finals back in 2019.

The 40-year-old had confirmed that this would be his final season on tour, relishing his farewell campaign as he said goodbye to all the tournaments he had played at numerous times in an illustrious two-decade career.

The last match he played came at the US Open, losing in straight sets against Learner Tien. He would not know it at the time, but that would be his final ATP match. Any plans of coming back to feature in the European indoor hardcourt swing, specifically the Paris Masters, were scrapped due to the sudden news of his separation from former wife Elina Svitolina.

He would appear at the Paris Masters, but not to compete. He officially said goodbye in a farewell ceremony in the French capital, and it would be an emotional occasion for all involved.

All the recent events had affected him, and he was not afraid to admit that. “I was able to sit down for a few weeks, I won’t hide it, weeks that were a bit more painful, but I was able to sit down and really look back at the images, to see what I was able to achieve. I gave everything. I’m really happy, really at peace with everything I was able to do," he said.

“I’m not going to hide that this is a very difficult moment to say goodbye. The most beautiful thing that this world has given me is you, the wonderful crowd. It’s not easy at all, but I would really like to thank you all.

“Twenty-two years now that I’ve been a professional tennis player. Twenty-two years of an extraordinary story that I could have never dreamed of. I want to thank everyone, whether they are here or at home, because it’s because of you that I could realise my dream.”