Gael Monfils is mending at a rapid pace after quitting tennis in the wake of his wife Elina Svitolina divorcing him. The 40-year-old French icon will take over as Davis Cup captain, tennis bosses announced in Paris on saturday.

WTA top 10 player Svitolina hit Monfils with a bombshell last month, announcing she will divorce him due to personal factors and the stress of the war in her native Ukraine.

Monfils then immediately moved forward his autumn, 2026 retirement, skipping out on his final two tournaments, including this week at the Paris Masters.

But his luck may be changing with the revelation of his new position which will keep him heavily involved with the sport.

Monfils takes over from Paul-Henri Mathieu and will be working on the team with fellow former players Richard Gasquet and Giles Simon.

The 13-time ATP title winner Monfils said: “It is a great source of pride to become captain of the French national team.

“This blue jersey represents so much to me. I want to build a real collective project and create the dynamic that will allow us to win titles together.”

During his own career, Monfils made his Davis debut in 2009 and ended 12-3 in singles matches.

Carlos Alcaraz will get a chance to avenge a recent loss as he faces off against Ben Shelton in the final of the Paris Masters on Sunday.

Two months ago, the American knocked out then-world No. 1 Alcaraz in the quarter-finals of the US open, dealing a blow to the 23-year-old Spaniard.

But Saturday’s  6-4, 6-4 win by Alcaraz over Casper Ruud in the semi-finals sets up the revenge final in the French capital.

Alcaraz earned a pedestrian win over the Norwegian, providing just enough energy to reach a third final from his last four tournaments.

He won titles in Tokyo and Vienna, going out in the Shanghai third round.

 “I want to take revenge against Ben,” Alcaraz said. “”I’ll try to do things differently in this match.

“I’m sure it will be a great one to watch.”

Alcaraz was untroubled by Ruud, whom he now leads 7-1 in their career series. The Paris second seed will play his 11th Masters final when he takes on Shelton, who defeated France’s Luca Van Assche in a three-set fightback.

Alcaraz took 86 minutes to reach the title match, ending with 20 winners.

“I’m really happy and proud of myself,” said the player who missed a third of the season with a spring-summer wrist injury, 

“This tournament has always been tough for me, I struggle every time I come here.

“But this has been an unusual year for me (injury absence) and I’m much fresher and more ambitious.

“I’m excited every time I step onto the court, I”m excited to be back. And happy to make the final.

“I can’t wait for tomorrow, I give myself a chance.”

Main photo:-Carlos Alcaraz into Paris Masters final – by ISF Ltd

Magnus Norman will step up to team Sinner as a coach, with the Swede replacing retiring guru Darren Cahill when the Australian leaves at the end of the year.

Sinner’s handlers officially confirmed the worst-kept secret in the sport on Friday, with former Roland Garros champion Norman set to work – as did Cahill – alongside the player’s Italian coach Simone Vagnozzi.

Cahill, who has coached numerous No. 1 players during his career, joined the Sinner side in June, 2022, and led the German-speaking northern Italian to five Grand Slam titles.

The player showed his affection for the mentor he convinced to stay on for this season. But the plan went pear-shaped as Sinner injured his knee and last played at Wimbledon.

He is reportedly due for a soft comeback at the controversial, multi-million dollar late December Saudi exho if that event does, in fact take, place.    

With Cahill and Vagnozzi onside, Sinner won all nine ATPMasters 1000 events, becoming world No. 1 in June 2024.

Sinner spoke fondly of Cahill during an emotional video: “Darren has been an incredibly important part of my journey. Together with Simone and the whole

team, we have achieved things I dreamed of growing up. 

Winning five Grand Slam titles and reaching world No. 1 together are achievements I will always treasure.

“But what means just as much is the relationship we have built along the way.

“I want to thank Darren for his belief in me, his honesty and his dedication. He has helped me grow both as a player and as a person.

“His guidance will stay with me throughout my career. We have shared
so many special moments over the past five years.

“While our coaching partnership is coming to an end, our friendship will continue.”

Cahil returned the favour as he parts ways with his charge.

“Working with Jannik has been a special honor and privilege. He’s an amazing young man and a humble dedicated champion that we are all incredibly proud of.

“Trust, honesty and belief only work when it’s exchanged both ways, and this has been Jannik’s strength as an athlete. 

“It’s also the reason that makes coaching someone like him such a memorable experience.

“I want to thank Jannik, the entire team, and all the fans for welcoming this Aussie into the wonderful Italian family.”