Gael Monfils turned 40 on September 1, 2026, and marked the milestone with a four-set win over Adolfo Daniel Vallejo at the US Open, prevailing 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-0 in the first round [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. He became the oldest man to win a US Open singles main-draw match since Jimmy Connors in 1992, who also won on his 40th birthday [2, 7, 4]. "To play on my 40th birthday is very special. The atmosphere [in New York] is always electric - I feel great here. I always try to play great tennis and put on a great show," Monfils said after the match [2].
Monfils, a 13-time ATP singles champion who reached a career-high ranking of No. 6 and made Grand Slam semifinals at the 2008 French Open and 2016 US Open, announced in 2025 that he would retire at the end of the 2026 season, making this his final US Open and Grand Slam appearance [2, 7, 8, 9]. His playing style was known for athleticism, entertaining shot-making, and signature moves such as tweeners and overheads [2, 7].
On September 3, Monfils lost in the second round to 20-year-old American Learner Tien in straight sets, 3-6, 4-6, 3-6, ending his Grand Slam career [10, 11, 7, 8, 9]. Monfils acknowledged the challenge, saying, "I gave my absolute all, but Learner was a really tough one tonight" [7]. Tien apologized humorously for his many dropped balls in the match [8]. The 20-year age gap between Monfils and Tien marked a symbolic passing of the torch in men’s tennis [10, 7, 6].
Monfils debuted at the US Open in 2005 and played 18 editions, accumulating a 34-18 overall record at the tournament as of 2026 [8, 6]. His wife, fellow tennis player Elina Svitolina, who partnered him in mixed doubles at the event, gave him a wristwatch for his birthday [2, 5, 6]. After retirement, Monfils plans to begin a new career in finance, having signed with a Swiss wealth management company [8].
Monfils said, "I want to thank everyone. This has been a long and beautiful journey. I came here as a junior in 2003, and it's an honor to say goodbye here in 2026" [8].
