40 and Still Flying: Gaël Monfils Turns Birthday Into US Open History
Gaël Monfils did not want his 40th birthday to be remembered as the beginning of a farewell.
Instead, the French veteran turned it into another chapter of his remarkable tennis story.
On a night filled with emotion at Louis Armstrong Stadium, Monfils overcame a difficult start to defeat Paraguay’s Adolfo Daniel Vallejo 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-0 in the first round of the 2026 US Open. The comeback not only extended his final Grand Slam appearance but also placed his name alongside one of the tournament’s most enduring veterans.
A birthday comeback to remember
The match initially appeared to be heading in the wrong direction for Monfils.
Vallejo settled quickly and took the opening set 6-2, putting the 40-year-old Frenchman under pressure. But Monfils gradually rediscovered his timing, movement and attacking instincts.
The second set marked the turning point.
Monfils raised his level, broke Vallejo and began controlling the rallies. He raced through the set 6-1 before taking the third 6-2.
By the fourth set, the momentum was entirely his.
Monfils produced an emphatic 6-0 finish, winning the final three sets while dropping only three games. He struck 37 winners during the contest, combining experience with the athletic and entertaining style that has made him one of tennis’ most recognisable personalities.
Match Score
Gaël Monfils def. Adolfo Daniel Vallejo
2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-0
A record that links two generations
The victory carried significance far beyond the scoreboard.
At 40, Monfils became the oldest man to win a US Open men’s singles match since Jimmy Connors did so in 1992. Connors also achieved the feat at the age of 40, making Monfils’ achievement an especially striking piece of tennis history.
There was another milestone hidden inside the victory.
Monfils recorded his 34th career US Open singles win, the most by a Frenchman at the tournament.
For a player who entered this year’s tournament as a wild card ranked No. 311, the achievement is even more remarkable.
The crowd gets the birthday gift too
Monfils’ relationship with the New York crowd has always been special, and this night produced another memorable moment.
After completing his comeback, the Louis Armstrong Stadium audience celebrated his 40th birthday with a rendition of “Happy Birthday.” The occasion combined the emotion of a milestone birthday with the excitement of a Grand Slam victory.
Monfils has always been more than a conventional tennis player. His spectacular movement, diving defence, explosive jumping shots and willingness to entertain have made him a fan favourite throughout his career.
On Tuesday night, all of those qualities were on display again.
One more US Open chapter
The 2026 tournament is particularly important because it is Monfils’ 18th and final US Open appearance. He has announced that he will retire at the end of the 2026 season.
His career has already included a career-high No. 6 ranking and a run to the 2016 US Open semifinals. He has never won a Grand Slam title, but his longevity and ability to remain competitive across generations have made him one of the most distinctive players of his era.
And now, instead of leaving New York after one round, Monfils gets another match.
Next stop: Learner Tien
Waiting in the second round is American Learner Tien, the No. 14 seed.
It will be a fascinating age-versus-youth contest, with Tien representing the next generation while Monfils continues what could be his final run at Flushing Meadows.
The two have already met this year, with Tien defeating Monfils in Montreal. But this time the stage will be New York, where Monfils has repeatedly shown that the crowd can become part of his game.
Key Facts
Player: Gaël Monfils
Age: 40
Opponent: Adolfo Daniel Vallejo
Round: First round, US Open 2026
Result: Monfils won 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-0
Winners: 37
Historic milestone: Oldest US Open men’s singles match winner since Jimmy Connors in 1992
US Open victories: 34, a French record
US Open appearances: 18th and final
Best US Open result: Semifinal, 2016
Next opponent: Learner Tien
World ranking entering tournament: No. 311
The Bigger Picture
For most players, turning 40 on a Grand Slam court might feel like a farewell.
For Monfils, it became an invitation to keep going.
He arrived in New York knowing that his US Open journey was nearing its end. He left his first-round match with another victory, another record and another night for the crowd to remember.
The clock may say 40.
But under the lights in New York, Monfils is still putting on a show.
