Gael Monfils addressed his retirement from tennis and how his recent divorce from Elina Svitolina played a role.<\/p>\n
“It’s already very hard to step out at the end of your career, with emotions you’ve never experienced before, when you’re also going through a difficult time \u2026 I just couldn’t see myself playing,” he said Monday on a Twitch stream (via The Athletic’s James Hansen<\/a>).<\/p>\n Svitolina announced<\/a> on Oct. 19 she and Monfils were separating. She cited Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia as a contributing factor as it has taken a mental toll on her.<\/p>\n The Australian Open semifinalist said that “there is no one to blame here,” and Monfils remained by her side to provide support.<\/p>\n “Ga\u00ebl has loved me through my greatest joys and my darkest moments, and I have loved him with all my heart,” she wrote. “Together, we built a beautiful life, and we were given the most precious gift of all, our daughter, Skai.”<\/p>\n Monfils confirmed last September<\/a> he intended to retire upon the conclusion of the 2026 season. However, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) lists him<\/a> as retired as of Oct. 5.<\/p>\n The 40-year-old explained Monday his divorce from Svitolina “really hurt me.”<\/p>\n “This separation didn’t leave me unaffected,” he said. “For people who’ve been in my situation, living through a break up isn’t easy: When something like that happens, I can’t train the way I want to. I’m not in the best frame of mind.”<\/p>\n The Frenchman never captured a Grand Slam title but was a fan favorite through the years. If anything, the absence of a major championship actually added to his legend. He was the naturally gifted artist who attained cult hero status.<\/p>\n Monfils will at least be able to say a proper goodbye at the Paris Masters. The tournament said<\/a> he will be honored during the night session matches on Nov. 3.<\/p>\n His last tournament was the U.S. Open. He advanced to the second round, losing to 14th-seeded Learner Tien in straight sets.<\/p>\n