Monfils named captain of France's Davis Cup team

PARIS: Gael Monfils, who recently retired from tennis after a 22-year playing career, has been appointed captain of the France Davis Cup team, the French Tennis Federation (FFT) announced Saturday.

"Drawing on his 22 years on the professional circuit, Gael Monfils will bring all his top-level experience to the France team," the FFT said in a statement.

The 40-year-old succeeds Paul-Henri Mathieu, who had held the role for three years.

"It's an immense source of pride to become captain of the French national team," said Monfils.

"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."

The popular Frenchman had been on a lengthy farewell tour this season but quietly ended his career by removing himself from the list of active players with anti-doping authorities last month.

He had been expected to make appearances in Lyon and at the Paris Masters but confirmed his retirement on October 26 after his wife, Ukrainian player Elina Svitolina, announced their separation.

"It was a very big decision because of my separation from Elina, which hurt me deeply as a human being," said the two-time Grand Slam semi-finalist, who reached the last four at Roland Garros in 2008 and the US Open in 2016.

Monfils, who won 13 ATP titles, was honoured during a ceremony at the Paris Masters this week, where he described it as a "very difficult moment to say goodbye."

He will have time to settle into his new role. France are not due back in Davis Cup action until February 2027 after failing to qualify for this year's finals in Bologna.

Monfils will be supported by former Davis Cup team-mates Richard Gasquet and Gilles Simon.

As a player, Monfils reached two Davis Cup finals, in 2010 and 2014, but never lifted the trophy. - AFP