Monfils kept his farewell run at the US Open alive and became the oldest man to win a main-draw match at Flushing Meadows in 34 years, beating Adolfo Daniel Vallejo 2-6 6-1 6-2 6-0 on his 40th birthday. The result moves his Grand Slam match total to 131 and extends his lead as the French player with the most major match victories.
Thousands inside Louis Armstrong Stadium turned the evening into a celebration, rising to sing Happy Birthday during Monfils' post-match interview. The scene emphasised the crowd pull he still carries at majors, and the personal tone of the night matched the match's significance: Monfils has described this tournament as the final major of his career.
The match began awkwardly for Monfils, who dropped the opening set before finding his range and seizing control of the contest. He described the occasion simply, saying "To play on my 40th birthday is very special." He added, "The atmosphere [in New York] is always electric - I feel great here. I always try to play great tennis and put on a great show."
Monfils struck a lighter note about the day, revealing a personal gift from his wife, Elina Svitolina, and admitting the pressure that came with the occasion. "I didn't want to lose first round, that's for sure," he said, explaining how he settled as the match went on and moved into "cruise control." He also addressed fans directly, saying, "You guys rock - let's keep it up for the second round."
Monfils' next opponent is American 14th seed Learner Tien, a match that will decide whether the veteran advances deeper into the tournament in what has been cast as his farewell at the majors. For now, Monfils leaves New York with a birthday victory and the narrative of a final campaign that remains alive.
