- Gael Monfils, 39, says the 2026 ASB Classic may be his last tournament in Auckland.
- He’s not focused on defending the title but on enjoying competing and winning matches.
- Monfils plans a limited 2026 schedule, prioritising the French Open and selective hard-court events.
- After retirement he expects to work in finance while his wife, Elina Svitolina, continues playing.
H2: Monfils treats Auckland as the start of a final chapter
Gael Monfils returned to Centre Court at the ASB Classic with gratitude and clear intent. The 39-year-old Frenchman, last year’s champion, says he isn’t coming back to Auckland to defend a title — he’s coming back because this could be his final appearance in the city.
“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,” Monfils said. He added that simply playing is a victory: “To be on the court, it’s already a big win. And if I can win matches, it’s even better.”
H3: Match details and immediate fitness concerns
Monfils opens his 2026 campaign against Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan in the second match of the day session, a contest pencilled for the evening slot on Centre Court. He hasn’t played competitively since September and last registered a win at Wimbledon when he beat Ugo Humbert.
At 39, Monfils acknowledges the physical toll of the Tour. “I’m getting old a little bit, so it’s not easy,” he said. He explained that after the intensive run last season — lifting the ASB Classic trophy and then making the fourth round at the Australian Open — his body showed the strain.
“I was really tired and I even hurt myself a bit in my legs,” Monfils admitted. “From that moment I felt like maybe it’s time [to retire], because to not be able to sustain this level for one, two, three, four tournaments, it means something. I felt like I was on the edge.”
H3: A selective 2026 schedule with Paris as the priority
Monfils plans a measured calendar for his final year. He’s eyeing a South American swing after Australia, the Indian Wells and Miami Masters if possible, the US Open and, most importantly, Roland-Garros in Paris.
“Paris will be the most important thing,” he said. He hopes to play about a dozen tournaments if his body allows — picking events carefully to be in top shape for the Grand Slam he holds dear.
H4: Life after tennis — finance and family
When Monfils does retire, he expects a clean break from tour life. With his wife, Elina Svitolina, still competing, Monfils said he plans to work in finance and spend time at home with their daughter rather than traveling the circuit.
For now, those plans remain a step ahead. On Tuesday in Auckland, Monfils will step back onto Centre Court possibly for the last time, focused less on defending and more on the simple joy of competing.
Image Referance: https://www.asbclassic.co.nz/en/media/news/just-being-here-is-a-win-gael-monfils-embraces-possible-final-asb-classic
