By Aaron Morris,Patrick Austen-Hardy

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Novak Djokovic delivered a touching tribute to Gael Monfils after the Frenchman revealed his retirement plans from tennis. Monfils, 39, took to social media to confirm that the 2026 ATP Tour season will mark his final campaign as a professional player. The star has captivated audiences throughout his career with his distinctive style of play and knack for unleashing 100mph+ forehand winners past bewildered rivals. While is yet to secure a Grand Slam title, he did collect 13 ATP Tour trophies across his years on the circuit. In 2016, he reached as high as No. 6 in the world rankings, sitting just one spot below Jo-Wilfried Tsonga who peaked at No. 5 during his career. Following Monfils’ announcement about his retirement timeline, Djokovic responded with a heartfelt tribute, reports the Express . Djokovic said: “LaMonf…What a treat was to watch you every match. You are an amazing human being that brings joy to people on and off the court. “That counts more then anything else. Tennis wise, your athleticism is off the charts. One of the best I have ever seen in all sports. Thank you for all the great battles over the years we had and enjoy your last dance, my friend.” Monfils might be hoping for a chance to meet Djokovic during his farewell year, despite suffering defeat in all 20 encounters against the Serbian during his career. Nevertheless, that wasn’t weighing on his mind when he penned his retirement announcement. Taking to Instagram , Monfils wrote: “I had a racket in my hands for the first time at two and a half, and began playing professionally at 18. Now, after celebrating my 39th birthday just a month ago, I’d like to share that the year ahead will be my last as a professional tennis player. “The opportunity to turn my passion into a profession is a privilege I have cherished during every match and moment of my 21-year career. Though this game means the world to me, I am tremendously at peace with my decision to retire at the end of the 2026 tennis season. “When you love something so much, it never feels like a good time to say goodbye. But 40 will be the right time for me. “Of course, winning one more title before I’m done would be truly incredible. Truthfully though, my only real goal for the year ahead is simple. To enjoy every minute, and to play each match like it’s my last.” It comes as Djokovic has endured a title-less year on the world’s courts in terms of Grand Slams. Despite boasting a whopping 24 major titles overall, the 38-year-old has failed to expand his trophy cabinet in 2025. The legend was omitted from the Australian Open in the semi-finals at the hands of Alexander Zverev , and was pipped to the French Open and Wimbledon at the same stage by ATP World No. 2 Jannik Sinner . At last month’s US Open , he was also ousted in the semi finals by Carlos Alcaraz .