Monfils named Davis Cup captain
The French Tennis Federation appointed the 40-year-old to lead the national team just weeks after his retirement.
By Diego Mendoza ·
Gael Monfils is the new captain of the French Davis Cup team. The French Tennis Federation announced the appointment on Saturday. This move comes only weeks after the former world number six ended his 22-year professional career.
The federation stated that Monfils will bring his extensive top-level experience to the role. It replaced Paul-Henri Mathieu, who served as captain for the past three years. Monfils will work alongside two former teammates, Richard Gasquet and Gilles Simon, who both retired in recent seasons.
Monfils described the role as a source of great pride. He said he wants to build a collective project and create momentum to win titles. "This blue shirt means so much to me," he said. The 40-year-old player spent much of this season on a farewell tour before stepping away from the sport.
His retirement was announced on October 26. He removed his name from anti-doping registers last month. Monfils confirmed his exit shortly after his wife, Ukrainian player Elina Svitolina, announced their separation. He called the decision difficult, citing the personal impact of the split.
Monfils is a winner of 13 ATP titles. He reached the semi-finals of the French Open in 2008 and the US Open in 2016. He was honored at the Paris Masters earlier this week. He described that ceremony as a difficult moment to say goodbye to the game.
France missed the qualification for the Davis Cup finals in Bologna this year. The team is not scheduled to compete again until February 2027. This gap gives Monfils time to prepare the squad.
As a player, Monfils helped France reach the Davis Cup finals in 2010 and 2014. He never won the trophy on the court. He now aims to lead the team to victory from the bench.
