Gael Monfils’ Grand Slam career ends with an emotional farewell to the US Open
Gael Monfils’ remarkable Grand Slam run came to an end at the US Open when Learner Tien defeated the French veteran 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 on Thursday. The 40-year-old’s final appearance at a major ended under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, but only then did he receive an emotional farewell from the New York crowd.
Monfils earned his place in the second round with a remarkable comeback against Adolfo Daniel Vallejo on his 40th birthday. He recovered from losing the opening set to win 2–6, 6–1, 6–2, 6–0 to become the oldest man to win a singles match at the US Open since Jimmy Connors in 1992 on his 40th birthday.
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The victory gave Monfils one more night on the Grand Slam stage, but Tien proved a much tougher challenge. The 14th seed, half the Frenchman’s junior, remained composed throughout and never broke, while Monfils had to rely increasingly on the Arthur Ashe crowd to keep his comeback hopes alive.
Despite the physical strain, Monfils continued to attack in the third set and produced some typical shots. Tien eventually took a 4-3 lead to close out the match, ending Monfils’ Grand Slam career after more than two decades at the sport’s biggest tournaments.
18 US Open La Monf
From his debut in 2005 to making history at the age of 40, one of the greatest entertainers the sport has ever seen leaves a New York story to remember. pic.twitter.com/SscD9E1D7H— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 4, 2026
LAST SHOW IN NEW YORK
The crowd immediately turned the match’s conclusion into a celebration of Monfils’ career, chanting his name before the fans chanted, “Thank you, Gal!” A video tribute featuring some of his most memorable US Open moments was then played on a giant screen.
“I want to thank you all,” Monfils told the crowd. “It’s been a long ride. I came here in 2003 as a junior and here I am in 2026, thank you very much. I felt all the love.”
The Frenchman also reflected on his special connection with the New York crowd.
“I can tell you that you are my second best crowd after Paris. You are up there,” he said. “It was an absolute honor to play in front of all of you and showcase high performance tennis.
Tournament officials Craig Tiley and Eric Butorac later presented Monfils with a commemorative poster as the farewell continued.
TIEN WINS GENERATION CONNECTION
Tien had already defeated Monfils in Montreal last month and the American acknowledged that experience helped him handle the occasion in New York.
“I think playing with him in Montreal really helped my nerves,” Tien said. “I’m glad I didn’t feel that way tonight. I didn’t want my biggest comeback ever to happen here.”
The 20-year-old also admitted he was delighted to be given another opportunity to face the French veteran.
“I told him in Montreal that I hope to play with him again. I’m very happy that it happened here tonight,” Tien said.
Tien advances to the third round, where he will face Czech 17th seed Jakub Menšík. Monfils’ Grand Slam career ends with two major semi-final appearances and a legacy built on athleticism, showmanship and some of the most spectacular tennis to be seen on the biggest stages.
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
04 Sep 2026 07:42 IST