Gael Monfils’ 2020 Crisis: From Retirement Brink to Rekindled Fire

In a candid revelation, tennis veteran Gael Monfils admitted to seriously contemplating retirement back in 2020. This period marked a significant low point in his illustrious career, a time when the joy seemingly vanished from the sport he had dedicated his life to. Despite holding a top 10 world ranking, Monfils found himself disillusioned, questioning his passion and future in tennis. However, with the unwavering support of his wife, Elina Svitolina, Monfils rekindled his love for the game and orchestrated a remarkable comeback, proving his resilience and enduring talent.

The Dark Days of 2020: A Mental Block

The 2020 season began brightly for Gael Monfils. He secured two titles early in the year, winning the Open Sud de France and the ATP Rotterdam titles. He also reached the semi-finals of the Dubai Tennis Championships, demonstrating his strong form. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent suspension of tennis tournaments brought about a dramatic shift in his mental state.

Upon the tour’s resumption, Monfils struggled to regain his momentum. He faced a string of losses, which he attributed more to mental struggles than physical issues. In an interview, Monfils confessed, “I can’t relax when I’m on the court…It is a mental block that becomes physical. I need to get back to work with a mental trainer. Now, I can’t visualize and when it goes I see myself sad. I get frustrated too quickly in a match. Mentally, there is a problem. I have no more fire.” [3]

Monfils also revealed that the isolation during the pandemic and the inability to see his family for an extended period took a significant toll on his mental well-being. “I lost a lot during confinement…When I resumed, I no longer had the same confidence. There, at home, I was touched by many more things. I have lost my mental strength. I spent a lot of time without seeing my family. It’s been over a year since I saw my mother … Psychologically, it’s hard and it left its mark,” he explained. [3]

These factors culminated in Monfils seriously considering hanging up his racquet, despite being ranked ninth in the world at the time. He felt that his ranking held no significance anymore, highlighting the depth of his disillusionment with the sport.

Elina Svitolina: The Savior of His Career

Married to fellow tennis professional Elina Svitolina since 2021, Monfils credits his wife with twice persuading him not to retire. Svitolina’s unwavering support and encouragement played a pivotal role in reigniting his passion for tennis.

Monfils openly acknowledged Svitolina’s impact, stating, “My wife literally saved me. She reignited that fire in me.” This support proved crucial as he navigated his career’s challenges, including a foot injury in 2022. With Svitolina’s encouragement, Monfils set a clear goal: qualifying for the Olympics. [1]

The Remarkable Comeback

Defying the odds, Monfils achieved his Olympic target. He went on to win the Stockholm Open in 2023, ranked 140th globally, and participated in the 2024 Paris Games. Starting 2025 on a high note, Monfils clinched his 13th career title in Auckland. [1]

His resurgence serves as a testament to his resilience and the power of a strong support system. Monfils himself acknowledges the importance of Svitolina’s role in his success. He said, “With a little luck, here we are in the second week of the Australian Open.” [13]

Monfils’ Career Highlights

• ATP Ranking: Achieved a career-high ranking of world No. 6 in November 2016 [4].
• ATP Titles: Won 13 ATP Tour singles titles [4].
• Grand Slam Performances: Reached the semi-finals of the 2008 French Open and the 2016 US Open [4]. Quarterfinals at the Australian Open in 2016 and 2022 [12].
• Longevity: Reached at least one ATP Tour singles final every year for 19 consecutive seasons from 2005 to 2023 [4].
• Match Wins: Eighth among active players with over 550 career match wins [4].

Mental Health in Tennis

Monfils’ struggles in 2020 highlight the importance of mental health in professional tennis. The pressure to perform, the constant travel, and the isolation from family and friends can take a significant toll on players’ mental well-being.

Recognizing this, both the ATP and WTA tours have increased their focus on providing mental health resources to players. These resources include access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. The aim is to create a more supportive environment where players feel comfortable seeking help when they need it.

Life Beyond Tennis

As Monfils contemplates the later stages of his career, he has begun to consider his future beyond the court. While he remains dedicated to tennis, he also expresses a desire to explore other passions and spend time with his family.

Monfils married Elina Svitolina on July 16, 2021 [14]. The couple welcomed their daughter, Skaï, in 2022. Monfils has spoken extensively about the importance of family in his life. He dreams of having a large and healthy family, emphasizing that “Tennis is cool but my dream is out there.” [14]

Monfils Enduring Legacy

Gael Monfils has had a long and successful career marked by thrilling performances and a unique playing style. Known for his athleticism, agility, and shot-making ability, Monfils has captivated audiences worldwide.

Even after a period of contemplating retirement, Monfils continues to defy expectations, demonstrating his enduring passion for the game. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring tennis players and fans alike, proving that with resilience, determination, and a strong support system, anything is possible.