Not tennis? Gael Monfils reveals surprise post-retirement plans after US Open exit
(Courtesy : Instagram/@iamgaelmonfils)
Learner Tien defeated Gael Monfils in straight sets to reach the third round
French tennis player Gael Monfils‘ Grand Slam career came to a close the way most of his career did, with the crowd on its feet. In his final season on tour and his last major appearance, the 40-year-old opened at the 2026 US Open with a birthday-week thriller, coming back from a set down to beat World No. 60 Adolfo Daniel Vallejo of Paraguay 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-0 on his 40th birthday.
In the second round, 14th seed Learner Tien of the USA beat him 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 at the Louis Armstrong Stadium, but the American’s home crowd spent the night chanting “Mon-fils!” anyway. Tien himself asked Monfils for a signed tennis ball afterwards, joking that he was sorry for all the drop shots.
He finishes his US Open career with a 34-18 record across 18 main draws, a run that started in 2005 against a then-unknown Novak Djokovic and peaked with a semi-final in 2016.
Wealth management beckons Monfils
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As for what comes next, Monfils confirmed he’s signed on to work in wealth management at a Swiss finance company starting next year.
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“So far, to be honest, I have a new chapter coming next year. I will work in finance. You know, I already signed to work in wealth management in a Swiss company. So, my next chapter is looking more in the office and working in finance.
I will always have a look on tennis because I love the sport, my wife’s playing. I don’t think, at least next year, you know, I will do so much about tennis, but, you know, I’ll be around definitely, no matter what, for Elina a little bit. But I’m a bit more a finance guy.”
Then, when asked whether he could bring his personality and style to Swiss wealth management, he added:
“It’s tough to say, but I’m really not flexible in a way that I really like everything done straight away and a little bit maniac, and so it fits that for sure for my next chapter. And the tennis is just, like, completely different.”
“Somehow, you know, and I think you should ask my wife. You’ll be very surprised. Of course, in tennis I am the way I am, but I think she can tell you that she wish I be like this at home, you know. I think at home I’m a little bit more strict, more serious, you know, completely different. Here, you know, is my joy place where I can let my emotion go.”
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Monfils to wrap up in Paris
Monfils is expected to play his final match at the Paris Masters later this year. He leaves the sport without ever winning a Grand Slam title, but that was never really the point with the Frenchman.
Over 22 years, he became one of tennis’ great entertainers, regarded highly for his trick shots and full-body athleticism. He signs off as the kind of player fans pay to watch, regardless of the scoreline.
How old is Gael Monfils?
Gael Monfils is 40 years old.
Has Gael Monfils ever won a Grand Slam?
Gael Monfils has never won any Grand Slam title.
What is Gael Monfils’ post-tennis plan?
Post-tennis, Monfils has confirmed that he’s signed on to work in wealth management at a Swiss finance company starting next year.
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