Monfils Takes Final US Open Bow as Tien Advances to Third Round

Gael Monfils lost in straight sets on Thursday night, but the New York crowd made sure his 18th US Open appearance ended as a farewell rather than an ordinary defeat.

The French veteran fell 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 to American 14th seed Learner Tien. Monfils, who has said 2026 will be his final year on tour, kept the 20-year-old within reach but never took control. Tien saved all eight break points he faced during the two-hour, 16-minute match.

“

It was 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.

The crowd, however, belonged to Monfils. Chants of “Monfils” broke out throughout the match, especially in the third set. Afterward, a video montage showed his leaping smashes and remarkable defensive shots on the hard courts of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Monfils has been a New York favorite since his tournament debut in 2005, even when he plays an American.

“

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!

“It was unbelievable atmosphere, amazing energy on the court,” Monfils said. “I gave my absolute all, even I think I went over, but Learner was a really tough one tonight.” He later thanked the fans, saying, “It's been a long ride,” and added, “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!”

Monfils first played the tournament as a teenager, losing in five sets to Novak Djokovic. He reached the semifinals in 2016, again losing to Djokovic. On Tuesday, he earned one final US Open victory by beating Paraguay’s Adolfo Daniel Vallejo in four sets, becoming only the third man aged 40 or older to win a match at the tournament in the Open era. Monfils has accepted a wealth-management job with a Swiss company, but said he will continue following tennis. His wife, Ukrainian world number nine Elina Svitolina, remains on tour.

“

I really didn't want the greatest comeback of all time to happen against me.

Tien received warm applause after the match and embraced Monfils at the net. “I really didn't want the greatest comeback of all time to happen against me,” he said. “It's very special to win in your home country.” He will next meet Jakub Mensik.

“

It's very special to win in your home country.