Gael Monfils Exits US Open in 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 Loss to Learner Tien

Gael Monfils concluded his Grand Slam career on Thursday night following a straight-sets second-round defeat against No. 14 seed Learner Tien.

Learner Tien defeated Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 on Thursday night at Louis Armstrong Stadium, marking the end of the Frenchman’s Grand Slam career. The second-round match at the 2026 US Open saw the No. 14 seed American utilize consistent groundstrokes and drop shots to overcome the 40-year-old veteran. Monfils, who first appeared at the tournament as a junior in 2003, officially bows out of major competition with 131 wins in the majors, the highest total ever recorded by a French male player.

During the match, Monfils struggled to capitalize on key opportunities, specifically squandering a 0-40 lead in the eighth game of the second set. Had he converted those break points, he would have leveled the set at 4-4; instead, Tien held serve to double his lead. The American, coached by former Roland Garros champion Michael Chang, targeted the Monfils backhand throughout the contest to draw errors. The match concluded when Monfils struck a forehand into the net after falling behind by a break in the third set.

Career Statistics and Major Milestones

Monfils finishes his career in the majors having played 201 matches. Over two decades, he secured 13 career titles and reached two Grand Slam semifinals, including a deep run in New York in 2016. His athleticism was established early when he won three consecutive junior boys' titles in 2003 at the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon. Despite enduring significant knee injuries throughout his tenure on the ATP tour, he remained a consistent presence in the world's top 10 rankings.

Thursday’s appearance marked his 52nd career match at the US Open. Before entering the court, Monfils was observed resting in the corridor beneath the stadium with his right leg crossed over his left knee. Following the loss, the tournament organizers presented him with a framed photograph and played a video montage highlighting his most memorable moments in New York.

Match Dynamics and Tactical Play

Learner Tien noted that his previous encounter with Monfils in Montreal, which went to a deciding set, helped manage his nerves for this straight-sets victory. Tien admitted to using frequent drop shots during the match and expressed his desire to avoid allowing a comeback. The young American, who recently received an autograph from Monfils, urged the veteran to consider playing one more time in Paris as they shook hands at the net.

Monfils’ wife, Elina Svitolina, watched from the stands as the Frenchman produced a variety of showreel points despite the scoreline. The crowd at Armstrong Stadium chanted his name as he sat on the bench for the final time in a major setting. Monfils addressed the spectators, ranking the New York fans as his second-favorite crowd behind the home supporters in Paris.

Final Tournaments and Farewell

While his Grand Slam journey has concluded, the Gael Monfils retirement process will continue through the end of the 2026 season. He is scheduled to compete in several additional tournaments over the coming months. His final professional appearance is slated to take place on home soil at the Paris Masters.

Monfils expressed that it was an absolute honor to perform and provide a show for the fans since his debut. As he exited the court, he thanked the chair umpire for the year. The loss to Tien, who is half the age of Monfils, serves as the definitive end to his 23-year association with the US Open, which began with his junior entry in 2003.