Gael Monfils celebrates 40 years with US Open comeback win, reveals Svitolina’s special gift

Gael Monfils celebrated his 40th birthday in the best possible way and produced a blistering comeback to open his latest US Open campaign with victory. The Frenchman recovered from a slow start to beat Adolfo Daniel Vallejo 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-0 on Tuesday night to book his place in the second round.

Monfils struggled for consistency in the opening set and allowed Vallejo to take an early lead. But once he found his range, the match quickly turned in his favor. He won the second set comfortably, dominated the third and never allowed his Paraguayan opponent to gain ground again.

The former world number six hit 37 winners and provided plenty of entertainment for the Louis Armstrong Stadium crowd, producing the athletic strokes and spectacular diving winners that have long been a part of his game. He completed the four-set victory with a big ace.

For Monfils, playing in New York on his 40th birthday was especially significant. “That was definitely very special, playing on my 40th birthday,” he said during a courtside interview as the crowd sang Happy Birthday.

“You always make it electric. The atmosphere is incredible. I feel great here. I always try to put on a great show, so let’s make it to the second round.”

Among those watching was his wife Elina Svitolina, who remained in the stands despite having her own singles campaign to continue on Wednesday.

The pair shared a court at this year’s US Open and reached the semi-finals of the mixed doubles last week. Svitolina was back in the crowd on Tuesday to support Monfils as he began his farewell appearance at Flushing Meadows.

When asked if she bought him a birthday present, Monfils revealed that Svitolina gave him a watch for the milestone.

“I think she’s playing tomorrow so it’s a big effort for her to stay here (and support),” he said.

“It was a wonderful present. She gave me a great watch for my 40th birthday, if I may say so.”

The win was particularly significant given what happened 24 hours earlier, when fellow veteran Stan Wawrinka played the final Grand Slam match of his career.

Monfils has already confirmed he will retire at the end of the 2026 season, meaning every tournament now carries an added sense of finality. But there was no sign the player was ready to bow out as he fought back from his early setback and fed off the energy at the Louis Armstrong Stadium.

The Frenchman enjoyed some of his best moments in New York, reaching the semi-finals in 2016. She will now have a chance to extend her US Open finals run when she takes on American Learner Tien in the second round.

Tien, the reigning Next Gen ATP Finals champion, won their only previous meeting in Montreal last month, winning in three sets. After that match, the 20-year-old even asked Monfils for his signature.

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

02 Sep 2026 08:37 IST