Gaël Monfils ends Grand Slam career at US Open

Gaël Monfils has played the final Grand Slam match of his career, closing a 23-year chapter at the US Open shortly after turning 40. The Frenchman’s run ended in the second round, bringing his total at the majors to 201 matches and ending a tournament history that began with his junior appearances in 2003.

Learner Tien, the world No. 15 American, beat Monfils 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 in two hours and 17 minutes. Monfils created eight break-point chances but converted none, while he also saved four match points before the contest ended. The result reflected the physical demands of a long first-round match and the difficulty Monfils had recovering and maintaining his movement and timing.

The defeat was followed by a tribute to Monfils’ career on the Louis Armstrong Stadium court. A video revisited his 18 US Open appearances and included memories from his first meeting with Novak Djokovic in 2005. The New York crowd repeatedly backed the Frenchman, turning the closing moments into a celebration despite the result.

Monfils said the presentation brought back memories of his junior years, the tournament’s changing courts and the many matches he had played in New York. He described the atmosphere as especially meaningful, with Paris remaining the only crowd he placed above it.