'I think it was my last time here' - Gael Monfils hints at retirement following first round loss at Canadian Open

After more than two decades on the ATP Tour, Gael Monfils may be looking at life away from the tennis court as the Frenchman bowed out in the opening round of the 2025 Canadian Open.

The 38-year old battled Chilean Tomas Barrios Vera in his first round match at the ATP Masters 1000 event on Sunday. Despite a spirited effort and crowd support, Monfils fell to Barrios Vera in three sets, losing the match after a tiebreaker in the final set.

However, it was his actions as he walked off the court that drew more attention. Monfils touched the court with his right hand before waving goodbye to the crowd, a sign many interpreted as him implying he would not be playing at the event in the future.

During his post-match conference, Monfils would go on to clarify his actions. The Frenchman stated he was unsure of whether he would return to Toronto again, as the Canadian Open alternates host cities between Montreal and Toronto each year.

Monfils certain he will not return to Toronto

"It was the last time I played in Toronto, " said the Frenchman. " There's no explanation. The next tournament in Toronto is in two years. That's a long time. Even if I'm still playing then, this tour is too long for me, so I think it was my last here. I thought about it at the end of the match."

Currently ranked at World No.48, Monfils has struggled to maintain good form after winning the ASB Classic in Auckland at the start of the 2025 season. The Paris native has been a staple on the ATP Tour since turning pro in 2004, and is beloved by fans and his peers.

Rising to a career-high ranking of World No.6 in 2016, Monfils has won 13 singles tour on the ATP circuit. The Frenchman has reached at least the round of 16 at every Grand Slam tournament, with his best performance being a semifinal showing at the 2008 French Open and 2016 US Open.