Gael Monfils Beats Vallejo 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-0 to Make US Open History at 40

Gael Monfils secured a four-set victory over Adolfo Daniel Vallejo on Tuesday night to become the oldest man to win a US Open match since 1992.

Gael Monfils defeated Adolfo Daniel Vallejo 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-0 on Tuesday night at Louis Armstrong Stadium to advance to the second round of the US Open. The Frenchman, competing on his 40th birthday, overcame a first-set deficit to dominate the final three frames, dropping only three games after the opening set. This victory marks the first time a man aged 40 or older has won a match at this tournament since Jimmy Connors beat Jaime Oncins on September 2, 1992.

Monfils secured his first Grand Slam singles win since the opening round of Wimbledon in 2025. By winning this match, he extended his streak to 22 consecutive seasons with at least one major match victory. This achievement ties him with Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer for the longest such streak among men in the Open era. The 2016 semifinalist is currently participating in his final season on tour, having previously announced his plans to retire after the conclusion of this year.

Historic Performance at Louis Armstrong Stadium

The match turned decisively in the fourth set when Monfils led 1-0. During that game, he executed a signature leaping smash for a forehand winner, prompting a roaring ovation from the New York crowd. Following the shot, the Frenchman raised his hand toward his ear and spun it to further encourage the spectators. The fans at Louis Armstrong Stadium eventually serenaded the veteran with a rendition of "Happy Birthday" following his four-set triumph.

Monfils noted the significance of the timing, stating that playing on the day of his 40th birthday was a major milestone. He expressed a desire to perform at a high level despite his age, remarking that he wanted to do "really good" for his current career stage. The victory followed a successful start to his tournament in the mixed doubles draw, where he teamed up with his wife, Elina Svitolina, to reach the semifinals in their debut as a competitive pair.

Statistical Context and Future Matchup

The win against Vallejo sets up a second-round encounter with American Learner Tien, the tournament's No. 14 seed. Tien holds the advantage in their head-to-head history, having defeated Monfils earlier this year during a hardcourt tournament in Montreal. Monfils entered the singles draw seeking to build on his legacy at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the site of his deepest Grand Slam run eight years ago.

Monfils’ longevity mirrors that of Connors, who also celebrated his 40th birthday while competing in New York during his 1992 run. The Frenchman’s ability to outplay Vallejo after the first set showcased a physical resurgence, culminating in a 6-0 shutout in the final set. He described the atmosphere created by the fans as "incredible," acknowledging their role in making his milestone birthday victory special as he prepares for the final stages of his professional career.