Gael Monfils’ remarkable Grand Slam journey came to an end at the US Open as 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 Arthur Ashe Stadium lights, but not before he received an emotional farewell from the New York crowd.
Monfils had 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, becoming the oldest man to win a US Open singles match since Jimmy Connors achieved the feat on his 40th birthday in 1992.
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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 age, stayed composed throughout and was never broken, while Monfils increasingly had to rely 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 several trademark shots. Tien eventually broke for a 4-3 lead and closed out the match, ending Monfils’ Grand Slam career after more than two decades at the sport’s biggest tournaments.
ONE LAST SHOW IN NEW YORK
The crowd immediately turned the match’s conclusion into a celebration of Monfils’ career, chanting his name before fans called out, “Thank you Gal!” A video tribute featuring some of his most memorable moments at the US Open then played on the 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 guys are my second-best crowd after Paris. You’re up there,” he said. “It’s been an absolute honour to play in front of you all and to produce high-performance tennis.”
Tournament officials Craig Tiley and Eric Butorac later presented Monfils with a commemorative poster as the farewell continued.
TIEN WINS GENERATIONAL CLASH
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 him in Montreal really helped with the nerves,” Tien said. “I’m glad I didn’t feel like that tonight. I didn’t want the greatest comeback of all time to happen to me here.”
The 20-year-old also admitted he was pleased to get another opportunity to face the French veteran.
“I told him in Montreal I hoped to play him one more time. I’m super happy that it happened here tonight,” Tien said.
Tien advances to the third round, where he will face Czech 17th seed Jakub Mensik. 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 seen on the biggest stages.
– Ends
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