Gael Monfils Davis Cup captain: France have named the former world No. 6 to lead their Davis Cup team weeks after he brought his playing career to an end. The French Tennis Federation (FFT) announced the appointment on Saturday.
The Gael Monfils Davis Cup captain role keeps one of the sport’s most popular players in tennis. The 40-year-old officially retired in October, closing a 22-year professional career that included two Grand Slam semi-final appearances and a career-high ranking of world No. 6.
He takes charge of France’s Davis Cup team for their qualifying campaign in February. He replaces Paul-Henri Mathieu, who led France to the quarter-finals last year and held the role for three years.
“I am immensely proud to become captain of the French team. This blue jersey means so much to me,” Monfils said in a statement.
He will not work alone. Former players Gilles Simon and Richard Gasquet will support him, the federation said. Both men are retired French stars who shared the Davis Cup dressing room with Monfils.
“I want to build a genuine team-based project and create the momentum that will enable us to win titles together,” he added.
A short break between player and captain
Monfils bowed out of the US Open in the second round in September. He then retired quietly last month, after bringing his career to an end earlier than planned.
He had planned to finish at this week’s Paris Masters. Instead, he stepped away following the end of his marriage to fellow tennis player Elina Svitolina.
Paris still gave him a farewell. On November 3, Monfils delivered an emotional message to fans, dedicating it to his young daughter Skai and thanking them for making his career an unforgettable journey. Former French stars Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gilles Simon, Richard Gasquet and Benoit Paire joined him on court for a special ceremony.
The FFT moved fast to keep him in the sport. Four days after the Paris Masters ceremony, Monfils had the captain’s job. FFT president Gilles Moretton said the federation was very happy to welcome him as head coach of the French team.
Stan Wawrinka also ended his tennis career this autumn, bowing out at Basel in October. Like Monfils, he leaves behind a generation of players who shaped the sport for two decades.
Gael Monfils Davis Cup captain: what he brings to France
Monfils knows the Davis Cup from the inside. He played in eight Davis Cup campaigns for France and won 12 of his 15 singles matches.
His standout performance came in the 2014 final, when he beat Roger Federer in straight sets. France still lost the tie to Switzerland, but the win over Federer remains one of the great Davis Cup performances by a French player.
He was missing when France won their 10th Davis Cup title in 2017. As captain, he now has the chance to add to that trophy cabinet from a non-playing role.
France have waited for a title since 2017. They failed to qualify for this year’s finals in Bologna. Their next campaign begins with the qualifiers in February 2027.
Monfils has about three months to settle in, pick his team, and prepare for the tie that will decide whether France reach the finals.
His playing style was built on speed, defence and showmanship. As a captain, he will need a different set of skills: picking the right pairings, reading opponents, and holding a team together across a long weekend of tennis.
Simon and Gasquet know the competition well. Rafael Nadal, another great of the same era, has moved into football administration since retiring.
French tennis will watch the February qualifiers closely. A win would send France towards the finals and give Monfils a winning start.
Pakistan’s cricketers, meanwhile, have named their squad for the home Test series against Sri Lanka starting on Monday, and India have taken a 2-0 lead over New Zealand in their ODI series.
Frequently asked questions
Who is France’s new Davis Cup captain?
Gael Monfils, the former world No. 6, was named France’s Davis Cup captain on November 7, 2026, weeks after retiring from tennis in October.
Who did Monfils replace as captain?
He replaced Paul-Henri Mathieu, who led France to the quarter-finals last year and held the role for three years.
Who will assist Monfils?
Former players Gilles Simon and Richard Gasquet will support him, the French Tennis Federation said.
When does France next play Davis Cup?
France will start their next Davis Cup campaign in the qualifiers in February 2027, after failing to qualify for this year’s finals in Bologna.
What is Monfils’ Davis Cup record as a player?
He played in eight Davis Cup campaigns for France and won 12 of his 15 singles matches, including a straight-sets win over Roger Federer in the 2014 final.
