Gael Monfils has shocked tennis fans after his name appeared on the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) Retired Players List.

Monfils is playing his final season in professional tennis before retirement, which now looks to have come much sooner than expected. Many were expecting the ATP icon to take on the Paris Masters on home soil in early November, but that seemingly won’t be the case.

As stated by the ITIA, those on the Retired Players List have “declared themselves retired from the sport and may not return to sanctioned events unless they have made themselves available for out-of-competition testing for at least six months prior to the event in question”.

Tennis fans have now been reacting to the situation on social media, with the majority completely shocked by Monfils. His last professional match will, therefore, have been his defeat to Learner Tien in the second round of the US Open, where he received a wildcard.

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Gael Monfils shocks tennis fans with apparent retirement

Reacting to his decision, one fan wrote on X: “Completely shocked. Sad that we didn’t get to see him play one last time at home. What a career. Hope he is successful in whatever he decides to do next.”

A second agreed, saying: “Seriously? I don’t think anyone was expecting that. Didn’t he want to say goodbye to the French crowd one more time?”

And a third commented: “How strange that he doesn’t want to say goodbye to his audience and that they haven’t prepared a little tribute for him in France.”

Other shocked fans noted: “No! It can’t be,” “It must be a mistake, it’s just not possible,” and “Wow what a shame!”

And summarising the thoughts of many fans, another said: “Oh wow what a bummer! He will be missed. So fun to watch and a wonderful personality to go along with his amazing tennis!”

It is indeed a real shame that Monfils is apparently bowing out with very little fanfare, although perhaps it is what the legendary figure wants. He can hold his head very high after enjoying a glittering career on the court, having given fans so many unforgettable memories over the years.

The 40-year-old will leave the sport as a 13-time ATP champion with a career-high rank of sixth in the world. Turning professional back in 2004, Monfils boasts a 588-360 career win-loss record, with $25,254,080 in total prize money earned.