Gael Monfils reveals drastic career change after US Open loss

Gael Monfils is hanging up his tennis racket and picking up a calculator with his new desk job.

The 40-year-old tennis player is long past his prime, after having been rated as high as the No. 6 player in the world in 2016, but is now ranked No. 311.

He revealed that upon his retirement later this year, he will take a new role in finance.

“I have a new chapter coming. Next year. I’ll be working in finance,” Monfils said after losing to Learner Tien in the second round of the US Open on Thursday night. “I already signed to work in wealth management in a Swiss company.

Gael Monfils was defeated at the US Open to end his legendary Grand Slam career. AP Photo/Adam Hunger

“My next chapter is looking more in an office and working in finance. I will always have a look on tennis because I love the sport; my wife’s playing. I don’t think next year I will do so much about tennis. I’ll be around no matter what, for Elina a little bit, but I’ll be more of a finance guy.”

Monfils’ wife, Elina Svitolina, is still one of the top players on the women’s side of the sport — ranked No. 9 and playing in the third round of the US Open on Friday night.

Gael Monfils revealed he will join a wealth management company. Andrew Schwartz / SplashNews.com

That connection will keep him close to the game for the time being. The couple shares a 3-year-old daughter, Skai, who led Svitolina to step away from the sport for a time.

Monfils, known for his flash and shotmaking, made over $25 million in his playing career. 

Monfils lost lost 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 to the rising American Tien with an on-court ceremony to celebrate his long career.

He spent 1,000 weeks inside the top 100, joining Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andre Agassi as the only players to do it.