2 September 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : French tennis veteran Gael Monfils celebrated his 40th birthday in memorable fashion, fighting back from a set down to defeat Paraguay’s Adolfo Daniel Vallejo in the first round of the 2026 US Open.
Monfils won 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-0 under the lights at Louis Armstrong Stadium, extending his farewell Grand Slam campaign and giving the New York crowd another glimpse of the showmanship that has made him a fan favourite.
Monfils Turns Match Around After Slow Start
The opening set appeared to be heading in the wrong direction for Monfils as Vallejo took control and won 6-2.
The Frenchman, however, responded emphatically. He tightened his game, found greater consistency and won the next three sets with increasing authority.
Monfils dropped only three games across the final three sets, completing a remarkable turnaround.
A Birthday to Remember in New York
The victory came on Monfils’ 40th birthday, making the occasion even more significant.
After the match, the Louis Armstrong Stadium crowd broke into an impromptu rendition of “Happy Birthday” as Monfils addressed the spectators.
The Frenchman thanked the crowd for creating the electric atmosphere and said he hoped to keep the celebration going in the second round.
US Open History for the French Veteran
The victory also placed Monfils in the record books.
He became the oldest man to win a US Open singles main-draw match since Jimmy Connors did so on his 40th birthday in 1992. Monfils is the third man aged 40 or older in the last 50 years to win a US Open main-draw singles match, after Ken Rosewall and Connors.
18th and Final US Open Appearance
The 2026 tournament is particularly meaningful because Monfils has announced that this season will be his last on tour.
This is his 18th US Open appearance, and his best previous run at Flushing Meadows came in 2016, when he reached the semifinals before losing to Novak Djokovic.
37 Winners Show Vintage Monfils
Even at 40, Monfils produced the explosive tennis that has defined his career.
He hit 37 winners against Vallejo and thrilled spectators with his athletic movement, jumping shots and spectacular forehand winners.
Svitolina Watches From the Stands
Monfils’ wife, Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina, was also in the stands to support him.
The couple had recently teamed up in mixed doubles at the US Open, reaching the semifinals. Svitolina also gave Monfils a special birthday present — a watch — adding another personal touch to an already memorable night.
Learner Tien Awaits in Round Two
Monfils will now face American Learner Tien in the second round.
The 20-year-old is half Monfils’ age, setting up an intriguing contrast between an established veteran enjoying the final stage of his career and one of the younger players looking to build his own Grand Slam journey.
A Farewell Tour Gets Another Chapter
Monfils entered the tournament knowing that his Grand Slam career was nearing its conclusion. His birthday victory has given him at least one more match — and another chance to entertain the New York crowd.
For a player whose career has been defined as much by personality and athleticism as results, the victory offered a fitting reminder of why Monfils remains one of tennis’ most popular figures.