Retired tennis star Gaël Monfils named captain of France's Davis Cup team

Gaël Monfils, who recently retired from tennis after a 22-year playing career, has been appointed captain of the France Davis Cup team, the French Tennis Federation (FFT) announced Saturday. "Drawing on his 22 years on the professional circuit, Gaël Monfils will bring all his top-level experience to the France team," the FFT said in a statement. The 40-year-old succeeds Paul-Henri Mathieu, who had held the role for three years. "It's an immense source of pride to become captain of the French national team," said Monfils. "This blue shirt means so much to me. I want to build a real collective project and create the momentum that will allow us to go and win titles together." Watch moreGaël Monfils out in first round of final French Open appearance The popular Frenchman had been on a lengthy farewell tour this season but quietly ended his career by removing himself from the list of active players with anti-doping authorities last month. He had been expected to make appearances in Lyon and at the Paris Masters but confirmed his retirement on October 26 after his wife, Ukrainian player Elina Svitolina, announced their separation. "It was a very big decision because of my separation from...