Monfils Bids Emotional Farewell in Paris, Sends Message to Daughter Skai

Gael Monfils turned his tennis retirement speech into a message to his daughter Skai. At a ceremony in Paris on Tuesday, Monfils sincerely said he hopes his daughter will one day play in Paris. The French player described his 22-year professional career as a dream made possible by his fans in Paris.

Monfils had planned to end his career at the Paris Masters this week. However, he quietly retired last month. The decision came at the same time as the end of his marriage to Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina.

Tsonga, Simon, Gasquet and Paire walked onto the court during the ceremony to accompany Monfils. Speaking about a difficult moment during his speech, Monfils said the most beautiful thing the world has given him is his fans.

Monfils married Svitolina in July 2021, and their daughter Skai was born in October 2022. He won 13 ATP singles titles in his career. He won his first title in Poland in 2005, and his last in Auckland in January 2025.