New York, Sept 3:
French veteran Gael Monfils celebrated his 40th birthday in spectacular fashion, fighting back from a set down to defeat Adolfo Daniel Vallejo and extend his final Grand Slam campaign at the US Open.
Monfils defeated the Paraguayan 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-0 in the first round, producing an emphatic turnaround after a shaky opening set at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
The victory made Monfils the oldest man to win a US Open singles match since Jimmy Connors achieved the feat on his 40th birthday in 1992. It was also Monfils’ 34th career victory at the tournament, the most by a Frenchman in New York.
After dropping the opening set, the former world No. 6 gradually took complete control. His athleticism, court coverage and trademark attacking style returned as Vallejo struggled to cope with the Frenchman’s intensity.
Monfils thrilled the crowd with his trademark athleticism, including a spectacular leaping forehand winner. The 40-year-old then encouraged the packed stands to raise the noise level as he surged towards victory.
The match was particularly significant because Monfils has announced that the 2026 season will be his last before retirement. He is therefore using his final appearances on the Grand Slam stage to create a memorable closing chapter to his career.
The Frenchman had already enjoyed a strong start to his US Open campaign in mixed doubles, reaching the semi-finals alongside his wife, Elina Svitolina, in their first tournament together.
Monfils, who reached the US Open singles semi-finals in 2016, will next face American Learner Tien, the No. 14 seed.
The victory also marked his first Grand Slam singles win since the opening round of Wimbledon in 2025.