Daijiworld Media Network - Paris

Paris, Oct 15: French tennis star Gael Monfils’ professional career appears to be nearing its end after he was listed as inactive by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), despite plans to play what was expected to be his final tournament in Paris next month.

The 40-year-old had been granted a wild-card entry to the ATP Masters event in Paris in early November, raising expectations that he would bid farewell to competitive tennis on home soil. However, his name appeared on the ITIA’s retired players list, with his status marked as inactive from October 5.

The ITIA oversees anti-doping procedures in tennis. Players who are no longer available for testing cannot compete professionally until they meet the applicable reinstatement requirements. Monfils has not officially confirmed his retirement, and a return would reportedly require him to be available for drug testing for six months.

On Wednesday, the organisers of the Grand Prix Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, an ATP 250 event in Lyon beginning on October 19, announced that Monfils had withdrawn from an exhibition match for personal reasons. The event was also set to feature fellow French players Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gilles Simon and Richard Gasquet.

Following his second-round defeat to Learner Tien at the 2026 US Open, Monfils indicated that he intended to move into the business world. He also announced that he had signed with a Swiss company to work in wealth management.

Monfils won 13 ATP Tour titles during his career and reached a career-high world ranking of No. 6 in 2016. He reached the French Open semifinals in 2008 and the US Open semifinals in 2016.

Known for his athleticism, acrobatic shots and entertaining style, Monfils remained a crowd favourite throughout his career. He is married to Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina, and the couple have a daughter, Skai.

Although his recent status has fuelled speculation about an early retirement, Monfils has yet to make an official announcement.