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Gael Monfils Celebrates 40th Birthday With Memorable US Open Victory

Posted : 02 September 2026

Gael Monfils marked his 40th birthday in spectacular fashion, fighting back from a slow start to defeat Adolfo Daniel Vallejo in the first round of his final US Open campaign.

The French veteran lost the opening set 6-2 but quickly turned the match around, winning the next three sets 6-1, 6-2, 6-0 to secure a memorable victory at Louis Armstrong Stadium. The result extended his farewell Grand Slam run and earned him his 34th US Open win, the most by a Frenchman at the tournament.

Monfils also joined an exclusive group by becoming the oldest man to win a US Open main-draw match since Jimmy Connors achieved the feat on his own 40th birthday in 1992. He is only the third man aged 40 or older to record a US Open match victory in the past 50 years.

After a nervous opening set, the former world No. 6 found his rhythm and began dictating play with his trademark athleticism and attacking shot-making. Once he seized momentum, Vallejo struggled to keep pace as Monfils won five consecutive games to take control of the second set and never looked back.

The New York crowd played its part in the celebration, breaking into an impromptu rendition of “Happy Birthday” during Monfils’ post-match interview. The Frenchman thanked the fans for creating the electric atmosphere that has made the US Open one of his favourite tournaments.

Monfils, who announced that 2026 would be his final season, said the occasion was particularly meaningful because it combined his milestone birthday with a Grand Slam victory. He also revealed that his wife, fellow tennis player Elina Svitolina, gave him a watch as a birthday present.

The 2016 US Open semi-finalist will now continue his farewell appearance against American 14th seed Learner Tien. The pair previously met in Montreal this summer, where Tien claimed a three-set victory.

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