New York, September 2: Gael Monfils marked his 40th birthday with a memorable victory in his opening match at the US Open. He defeated Vallejo 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-0 in front of a packed crowd at Louis Armstrong Stadium. This win also marked his 34th overall victory at the US Open.
According to US Open statistics, Monfils has become the third player in the last 50 years to win a match at the US Open at the age of 40 or older. He joins the ranks of two-time US Open singles champion Ken Rosewall, who achieved this feat at 42 in 1977, and five-time champion Jimmy Connors, who did so at 40 in 1992.
Monfils expressed his joy, stating, “The special number, 40, and playing a good match made it special. I think it was my best birthday. I can’t remember, but it was with my family. That was definitely the best.”
The former world number 6 had previously announced that 2026 would be his last tour before retirement. However, after being honored by the New York crowd during the mixed doubles event, he played alongside his wife, Elina Svitolina.
Among those cheering for Monfils in Louis Armstrong Stadium was his wife, WTA star Svitolina. The couple had teamed up to reach the mixed doubles semifinals last week, and she returned to the stands to support him on his milestone birthday.
Monfils, who was ranked number 6 in the PIF ATP rankings, will face American player Learner Tien in the second round. Tien, 20, won their only previous ATP head-to-head meeting last month in Montreal, where he requested Monfils’ signature afterward.
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