Novak Djokovic, Naomi Osaka, Ons Jabeur and Elina Svitolina are among those to send touching messages to Gael Monfils on social media after the Frenchman confirmed his impending retirement from tennis.<\/p>\n
French great Monfils confirmed in an emotional message on Wednesday that he would call time on his career in 2026<\/a>, though he did not reveal where he would play his final tournament after two decades on the ATP Tour.<\/p>\n The 39-year-old, who will celebrate his 40th birthday next September, reached a career-high of world No 6 in the ATP Rankings and won 13 ATP Tour titles, reaching the semi-finals of both the 2008 French Open and 2016 US Open.<\/p>\n One of the most beloved tennis players of his era, the Frenchman is hugely popular among both players and fans, and several leading stars were keen to pay tribute to Monfils on social media after his statement.<\/p>\n Leading tributes to Monfils<\/a> was 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic<\/a>, who sent a warm message to the French ace by commenting on the 39-year-old\u2019s Instagram post on Wednesday.<\/p>\n He wrote: \u201cLaMonf\u2026 What a treat was to watch you every match. You are an amazing human being that brings joy to people on and off the court. That counts more then anything else.<\/p>\n \u201cTennis wise, your athleticism is off the charts. One of the best I have ever seen in all sports. Thank you for all the great battles over the years we had and enjoy your last dance, my friend.\u201d<\/p>\n Also paying tribute was former WTA world No 1 and four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka<\/a>, who recently played with Monfils in the US Open\u2019s revamped mixed doubles event.<\/p>\n Tennis News<\/p>\n Why Carlos Alcaraz could still extend rankings lead over Jannik Sinner despite his injury<\/a><\/p>\n