Gael Monfils appointed France Davis Cup captain after retirement

Gael Monfils, who confirmed his retirement on October 26, was named captain of France's Davis Cup team by the French Tennis Federation on Saturday. He succeeds Paul-Henri Mathieu in the role.

The 40-year-old concluded a 22-year professional playing career before taking up the post. Former players Gilles Simon and Richard Gasquet have been named to assist him in the team setup.

Monfils represented France in eight editions of the Davis Cup, compiling a 12-3 record in singles. His most notable Davis Cup moment came in the 2014 final when he beat Roger Federer to claim France's only point in a 3-1 loss to Switzerland; he also featured in the 2010 final but never won the title as a player.

His playing career ended with 13 ATP titles and two Grand Slam semi-final appearances, at the French Open in 2008 and the US Open in 2016. Monfils formally announced his retirement earlier this season.

Monfils said his decision followed a painful separation from Elina Svitolina. He had been expected to play final events in Lyon and at the Paris Masters; after announcing his retirement he received an emotional tribute at the Paris Masters on November 3 that included fans and former colleagues Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Richard Gasquet, Gilles Simon and Benoit Paire, a farewell he described as a difficult moment that allowed him to thank supporters.

"It's an immense source of pride to become captain of the French national team. This blue shirt means so much to me. I want to build a real collective project and create the momentum that will allow us to go and win titles together," Monfils said in a statement.

France are a 10-time Davis Cup champion, having last lifted the trophy in 2017, and Monfils takes charge as the team prepares for its next Davis Cup campaign in February 2027; he will now look to help the side return to the top of the competition.