Stan Wawrinka Confirms Gael Monfils Set to Play Another Tournament Despite Ending Career Early After Elina Svitolina Divorce

Gael Monfils was scheduled to play two home tournaments: the Lyon Open this week and the Paris Masters, set to start on November 2. But to everyone’s surprise, he abruptly ended his career.

Monfils recently became a part of the retired list of the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) on October 5, which means he is no longer eligible to compete in official tournaments. While the tennis community was busy discussing what could be the reason behind such a move, Elina Svitolina announced on October 19 that she wanted to divorce him.

She cited the Russia-Ukraine war as the reason at first, before clarifying in another post that several factors led to this decision. In that post, Svitolina also confirmed that the Frenchman retired early due to the separation.

While Monfils’ professional career has ended, fans could still see him on the court one last time. Stan Wawrinka, who will retire at Swiss Indoors in Basel, will play in a star-studded exhibition event, One Last Backhand, in Geneva on December 19. As per L’Equipe, Monfils is expected to be present there.

Roger [Federer] said yes, as did Gael — who agreed immediately — and Andy [Murray], who confirmed he’ll be there. It’s a way to do something a bit more light-hearted, because I know that in Basel — while it will be a beautiful occasion — it’s also going to be quite heavy. It’s an emotional experience.

Stan Wawrinka said at the Lyon Open

According to the French media outlet, Wawrinka will face Monfils in the singles match. In doubles, Wawrinka and Federer will face Murray and Monfils.

Of course, it’s still an exhibition, so it’s easier to manage. Once I decided to do it, the goal was to make my goodbyes a bit easier to celebrate, and also to have the chance to bring along my friends.

Stan Wawrinka added

On the ATP Tour, the Swiss veteran met Monfils seven times, winning three matches. They last met in the second round of the 2024 Wimbledon, the result of which ended in Monfils’ favor.

In Lyon, Wawrinka’s campaign ended with a straight-set defeat to Flavio Cobolli. Before his exit, he overcame Martin Landaluce in three sets.

Paris Masters director on Gael Monfils’ sudden retirement

Gael Monfils reached three Masters 1000 finals, two in Paris, in 2009 and 2010, losing to Novak Djokovic and Robin Soderling, respectively. Cedric Pioline, the director of the Paris Masters, has confirmed that if Monfils decides to make one last appearance in the tournament, they are still ready to honor him with a farewell ceremony.

For now, we don’t have any more news than that, and we respect his difficult time in his life. We still have a little bit of time, even though the tournament will start soon. We have accepted that he has retired. We will adapt as soon as there is contact.

Cedric Pioline told AFP (H/T: Tennishead)

Monfils played his career’s last professional match in the second round of the US Open against Learner Tien. He won his career’s last title at the 2025 ASB Classic by defeating Zizou Bergs. It was also the last time he reached a final.

Elina Svitolina, after losing to Sonay Kartal in the quarterfinals of the Wuhan Open, withdrew from the Ningbo Open and now from the Pan Pacific Open. She has so far reached three finals this season, winning the ASB Classic and the Italian Open by beating Wang Xinyu and Coco Gauff, respectively. Jessica Pegula beat her in the Dubai Tennis Championships final.

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