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Gael Monfils has taken up a new job in tennis just four days after being honoured with a retirement ceremony at the Paris Masters. The former world No. 6 has become France’s new Davis Cup captain, succeeding Paul-Henri Mathieu, who held the role for three years. Monfils was expected to play two final tournaments before retiring – the Lyon Open and the Paris Masters. But he suddenly informed the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) of his retirement on October 5, meaning he could not compete in those tournaments.
Monfils and Elina Svitolina, his wife of five years and the WTA No. 6, then announced their split in a joint statement. Both have since confirmed that their personal situation led to the Frenchman’s abrupt retirement. Although Monfils didn’t play, he was able to return to the Paris Masters earlier this week for a farewell ceremony during Tuesday’s evening session.
And the 13-time title winner has confirmed that he will remain involved in tennis after taking up the captaincy of the French Davis Cup squad. “It is a great source of pride to become captain of the French national team,” Monfils said as the news was announced on Saturday.
“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, the president of the French Tennis Federation, added: “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.”
France’s Davis Cup team reached the 2025 Davis Cup Finals, a week-long knockout event featuring the last eight countries standing. There, they lost to Belgium in the quarter-finals.
However, the squad did not make it back into the Final 8 this year. They won their first qualifier tie over Slovakia in February, but fell to Canada in their next qualifier tie in September, sending Canada into the Davis Cup Finals instead.
Monfils made his Davis Cup debut as a playing member of France’s team in 2009 and earned 14 nominations for his country overall. He went 12-3 in singles matches he played in the team competition.
In 2014, Monfils was part of the French team that reached the final but lost to Switzerland. The former world No. 6 beat Roger Federer during that final tie to earn France’s only point, but they ultimately lost 3-1.
France’s 2027 Davis Cup campaign will begin in the qualifiers in February. The FFT has said that fellow retired French stars, Gilles Simon and Richard Gasquet, will also support Monfils in his new role.
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