In a poignant moment for tennis fans, Gael Monfils of France took his final Grand Slam bow on Thursday night at the US Open, where he was defeated by American Learner Tien in straight sets. The match, which ended with scores of 6-3, 6-4, 6-3, marked the end of an era for the beloved French player, who has announced that 2026 will be his last year on tour.
Despite the loss, Monfils was embraced by the New York crowd, which has supported him since his debut at the US Open in 2005. The atmosphere was electric, and Monfils expressed his gratitude, saying, "It was an unbelievable atmosphere, amazing energy on the court. I gave my absolute all, even I think I went over, but Learner was a really tough one tonight." His performance showcased his enduring passion for the sport, even as he prepares to transition into a new chapter of his life.
Tien, who is seeded 14th in the tournament, displayed remarkable composure and skill throughout the two-hour and 16-minute match. He successfully saved all eight break points he faced, demonstrating his ability to maintain control under pressure. Known for his left-handed playstyle, Tien adeptly maneuvered around the court, finishing points with powerful forehands and delicate touch shots.
Although Tien was the opponent, the crowd's loyalty was evident as they frequently chanted "Monfils," especially during the third set. The support culminated in a video montage celebrating Monfils' illustrious career, highlighting his many thrilling moments on the hard courts of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
Reflecting on his journey, Monfils remarked, "It's been a long ride. I felt all the love this year. You are my second-best crowd. Of course, it can't top Paris, but you are up there!" This was Monfils' 18th appearance at the US Open, a tournament where he has had memorable moments, including reaching the semi-finals in 2016 before falling to Novak Djokovic.
Earlier in the tournament, Monfils secured a victory over Adolfo Daniel Vallejo of Paraguay, becoming just the third man over 40 to win a match at the US Open in the Open era, joining the ranks of Ken Rosewall and Jimmy Connors. As Monfils prepares for life after tennis, he has accepted a position in wealth management with a Swiss firm, although he remains committed to following the sport he loves, especially as his wife, Elina Svitolina, continues her career as a top-ranked player.
Meanwhile, Learner Tien, just 20 years old, is among a promising group of American men poised for success in the tournament. Following his victory over Monfils, Tien received warm applause from the crowd, acknowledging the special nature of winning in his home country. He stated, "I really didn’t want the greatest comeback of all time to happen against me. It’s very special to win in your home country." Tien is set to face 17th-seeded Jakub Mensik of the Czech Republic in the next round, looking to build on his momentum in this prestigious Grand Slam.
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