Monfils stays in tennis with Davis Cup captain

PARIS (AP):

Gaël Monfils will remain involved in tennis after being appointed captain of France’s Davis Cup team, the national federation announced yesterday.

The 40-year-old Monfils retired last month, bringing an end to a career that made him one of the sport’s most popular figures among fans and players. He had been expected to conclude his playing career at this week’s Paris Masters before it was announced that his marriage to Ukrainian star Elina Svitolina was ending.

Monfils represented France in the 2014 Davis Cup final and defeated Roger Federer for his country’s lone point in a 3-1 home loss to Switzerland.

“It’s a huge pride to become captain of the team,” Monfils said in a statement. “This blue shirt means so much to me.”

France will begin its next Davis Cup campaign in February, with Monfils to be assisted by former players Gilles Simon and Richard Gasquet, the federation said.

Ten-time champion France last won the Davis Cup in 2017.