Gaël Monfils was named the new captain of the French Davis Cup team on Saturday. The 40-year-old former world number six succeeds Paul-Henri Mathieu, who had held the position for three years. The French Tennis Federation officially announced the appointment just weeks after the Frenchman's retirement from professional tennis. In his new role, Monfils will be able to count on the support of two other former French players, Richard Gasquet and Gilles Simon.
An immediate career change after 22 years
The appointment of Gaël Monfils marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of the most popular figures in French tennis. Turning professional in 2004, the Parisian has played 22 seasons on the circuit, won 13 ATP titles, and reached world number six in November 2016. He has also participated in two Grand Slam semi-finals, at Roland-Garros in 2008 and at the US Open in 2016.
After officially announcing his retirement from professional tennis this fall, Monfils was honored at the Rolex Paris Masters this week. He now returns to top-level tennis in a completely different role, with the responsibility of selecting French players and managing the team during international matches.
The new captain made no secret of his enthusiasm: "It's a huge honor to become captain of the French national team. This blue jersey means so much to me. I want to build a real team project and create the momentum that will allow us to win titles together."
Richard Gasquet and Gilles Simon to support him
Gaël Monfils will not be alone in leading the French team. The French Tennis Federation has announced that he will notably benefit from the support of Richard Gasquet and Gilles Simon, two former French internationals who played alongside him for many years on the professional circuit.
Richard Gasquet, a former world number 7, won 16 ATP titles during his career. Gilles Simon, who reached world number six and won 14 titles, was recently appointed performance director at the French Tennis Federation (FFT). Their experience will complement Monfils's in coaching the French national team.
The president of the French Tennis Federation (FFT), Gilles Moretton, welcomed the arrival of the new captain: "We are very happy to welcome Gaël to the helm of the French team. We are convinced that his infectious energy and enthusiasm will be invaluable assets in advancing the ambitions of French tennis."
A French team eliminated by Canada in September
Gaël Monfils takes the reins of a team that has just suffered a disappointment in the Davis Cup. In September, the French were eliminated by Canada 3-1 in the second round of qualifying. This defeat prevented them from participating in the final tournament of the 2026 edition.
His predecessor, Paul-Henri Mathieu, took over in 2023. During his three years at the helm, he notably led France back to the Davis Cup Final Eight. Gilles Moretton thanked him for his work.
Gaël Monfils' first campaign as head of Les Bleus will begin in February 2027, during the qualifiers for the next edition.
12 Davis Cup victories, but absent from the 2017 triumph
Gaël Monfils knows the competition perfectly, having played in it 8 times representing France. In singles, his record stands at twelve wins and three losses.
One of his most memorable matches dates back to the 2014 final against Switzerland. In front of the French crowd, Monfils dominated Roger Federer in three sets (6-1, 6-4, 6-3). France nevertheless lost 3-1 to a Swiss team also led by Stan Wawrinka.
Three years later, the French team won their tenth Davis Cup by defeating Belgium in the final in Lille. Monfils, however, did not participate in this victorious campaign.
The new captain's objective will now be to lead France to an eleventh title, their first since 2017. The upcoming Davis Cup campaign will be his first experience at the helm of a national team.
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