Monfils named captain of France’s Davis Cup team

Gael Monfils, a retired tennis player with 13 ATP titles, has been named captain of France's Davis Cup team. The French Tennis Federation (FFT) announced the appointment on Saturday. Monfils, 40, will bring his extensive professional experience to the team. He succeeds Paul-Henri Mathieu, who held the role for three years. Monfils expressed immense pride in becoming the captain, stating that the blue shirt means a lot to him.

He aims to build a collective project and create momentum to help the team win titles. The popular French player had been on a farewell tour this season but ended his career quietly by removing himself from the list of active players with the anti-doping authorities. Monfils, a two-time Grand Slam semi-finalist, announced his retirement on October 26 after his wife, Ukrainian player Elina Svitolina, announced their separation.

He received honors at the Paris Masters, where he described it as a very difficult moment to say goodbye. Monfils will have time to settle into his new role, with France due back in Davis Cup action in February 2027 after failing to qualify for the current finals in Bologna. He will be supported by former team-mates Richard Gasquet and Gilles Simon. Monfils reached two Davis Cup finals, in 2010 and 2014, but never won the trophy.