US Open: ‘Showman’ Gaël Monfils bids farewell to Grand Slam tennis before moving into finance

Gaël Monfils’ final Grand Slam match ended with a straight-sets defeat, but the 40-year-old Frenchman left the US Open court to a tribute from the crowd and a highlight reel of his career’s most spectacular moments.

Monfils lost 3-6, 4-6, 3-6 to American newcomer Learner Tien in the second round. It was his 18th appearance at the US Open and marked the end of a Grand Slam journey he had already said would conclude after this year. His best result at the tournament came in 2016, when he reached the men’s singles semifinals.

After the match, the stadium screens showed images of his jumping smashes and other signature highlights. Monfils then thanked the spectators for supporting him throughout a career that began at the tournament in 2003, when he played in the junior competition.

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This has been a very long journey. I first came here in 2003 to play the junior tournament, and now it is 2026, so I have really come a long way. Thank you very much. All these years, I have always felt your love. I can tell you that you are the second-best crowd in my heart. Paris is still first, of course, but you are definitely near the top.

“This has been a very long journey. I first came here in 2003 to play the junior tournament, and now it is 2026, so I have really come a long way. Thank you very much,” Monfils said. “All these years, I have always felt your love. I can tell you that you are the second-best crowd in my heart. Paris is still first, of course, but you are definitely near the top.”

His next chapter will take him away from the professional tennis circuit. “I have a new chapter about to begin. Next year I will work in finance. I have already signed with a Swiss wealth-management company, so the next chapter of my life will involve spending more time in an office,” he said.

Monfils added that he would continue following tennis because of his love for the sport. His wife, Elina Svitolina, also plays, and he said he would remain nearby to support her, although he expected to spend more of his time as a finance professional.

“

I have a new chapter about to begin. Next year I will work in finance. I have already signed with a Swiss wealth-management company, so the next chapter of my life will involve spending more time in an office.