“Paris will be the most important thing”: Gael Monfils clarifies schedule in final year on Tour

Gael Monfils returned to the ASB Classic to defend his title in what will be the year of his retirement. One year ago, the Frenchman made history by becoming the oldest player to win an ATP title, at 38 years and 131 days, defeating Zizou Bergs 6–3, 6–4 in the final — although he was surpassed months later by Novak Djokovic, who lifted the title in Athens in 2025 at 38 years and five months.

It was the 13th title of his career and the most recent one he has won to date. For Monfils, however, the main value lies in the fact that this will be his final time competing in Auckland. “Of course it would be different, but this year I'm not coming back as a defending champion in my head, because I'm coming back more like it's my last tournament in Auckland ever,” he said during press conference.

“Of course, if I can somehow win again, it would be amazing, but I'm not defending anything this year. I'm just winning,” added the former world No. 6. “I think to be on the court, it's already a big win. If I can win matches, it's even better. Just the fact I'm here, it's a big win for me.”

The Frenchman does not arrive with much competitive rhythm. Since August of last year, he has played only two tournaments: the US Open and Chengdu, retiring in the latter during the third set against Alexander Shevchenko due to injury. “It's not easy. I'm getting old a little bit, so it's not easy. Rhythm, everything,” Monfils added. “Let's face it, even the US tour was really tough, because I knew it hurt a little bit myself there. Then I tried to play in Asia, hurt myself again, so I haven't played really since grass, maybe four matches. I was really prepared for Wimbledon — I think that was the last tough match.”

At 39 years old, Monfils is the second-oldest player inside the top 300, only behind Stan Wawrinka, and until a few days ago he was the oldest player inside the top 100. He announced his retirement a couple of months ago, confirming that this will be his final season on Tour, although without specifying when his last tournament will be.

This time, the Frenchman shared some details about his tentative schedule for the coming months, with his main goal set on arriving in top condition at Roland Garros. “So far, I'm looking maybe to go to South America after Australia. And then, not much, to be honest,” said the current world No. 110. “Of course, I have some wild cards, so I don't know yet where I will have an invitation. My main goal will be to be super prepared for Paris, physically. Mentally, I am already, but physically.”

“Paris will be the most important thing,” he said about his home Grand Slam, which begins on May 19. “If I can have some chances to play in the US, it will be amazing for me. Love Miami, play also this trip before the US Open, and the US Open will be amazing. And then, obviously, Monaco as well. I have great memories of those tournaments. I will wait and see. It will be maybe a top-12 tournament, if I'm lucky.”

It will not be easy for the 39-year-old veteran to completely step away from tennis after retirement, considering that his wife Elina Svitolina — 32 — continues to perform at a high level on the WTA Tour as world No. 13 and was recently crowned WTA champion in Auckland over the weekend. However, Monfils insisted that he will give himself a real break from the sport.

“Honestly, I will. I will work in finance,” said the former world No. 6. “My wife will obviously continue to play tennis, but she will travel, she will do her own career. I'll be at home with my daughter, obviously watching her. I don't think I'm going to travel much in the US, so I will have my break from tennis, that's for sure.”