Retired tennis star Monfils to captain France at Davis Cup - The Straits Times

Gael Monfils (above) will be supported by former Davis Cup teammates Richard Gasquet and Gilles Simon.

Gael Monfils, who recently retired from tennis after a 22-year career, has been appointed captain of the France Davis Cup team, the French Tennis Federation (FFT) announced on Nov 7.

“Drawing on his 22 years on the professional circuit, Gael Monfils will bring all his top-level experience to the France team,” the FFT said in a statement.

The 40-year-old succeeds Paul-Henri Mathieu, who held the role for three years.

The Davis Cup pits national men’s tennis teams against one another in a knockout tournament played over the course of the year.

“It’s an immense source of pride to become captain of the French national team,” said Monfils.

“This blue shirt means so much to me. I want to build a real collective project and create the momentum that will allow us to go and win titles together.”

The popular Frenchman had been on a lengthy farewell tour this season but quietly ended his career by withdrawing from the anti-doping testing pool in October.

He had been expected to make appearances in Lyon and at the Paris Masters but confirmed his retirement on Oct 26 after his wife, Ukrainian player Elina Svitolina, announced their separation.

“It was a very big decision because of my separation from Elina, which hurt me deeply as a human being,” said the two-time Grand Slam semi-finalist, who reached the last four at Roland Garros in 2008 and the US Open in 2016.

Monfils, who won 13 ATP titles, was honoured during a ceremony at the Paris Masters this week, where he described it as a “very difficult moment to say goodbye”.

He will have time to settle into his new role. France are not due back in Davis Cup action until February 2027 after failing to qualify for the 2026 finals in Bologna, Italy.

Monfils will be supported by former Davis Cup teammates Richard Gasquet and Gilles Simon.

As a player, Monfils reached two Davis Cup finals, in 2010 and 2014, but never lifted the trophy. AFP