Sports
Gael Monfils is staying in tennis as France's new Davis Cup captain
Gael Monfils retired last month and now takes over France's Davis Cup team with Gilles Simon and Richard Gasquet helping when play starts in February.
Gael Monfils is not leaving tennis after all.
The French Tennis Federation said Saturday that the 40-year-old will captain France's Davis Cup team. Monfils retired last month as one of the most popular players in the sport.
"It's a huge pride to become captain of the team," Monfils said in a statement. "This blue shirt means so much to me."
Old friends on the bench
Former French players Gilles Simon and Richard Gasquet will assist Monfils. France opens its next Davis Cup campaign in February.
Monfils had been expected to end his playing career at the Paris Masters this week. That changed after it was announced that his marriage to Ukrainian star Elina Svitolina was ending.
A Davis Cup memory
Monfils played in the 2014 Davis Cup final in France. He beat Roger Federer for the hosts' only point as Switzerland won 3-1.
France has won the Davis Cup 10 times. Its last title came in 2017.
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