New Delhi, September 2: Gael Monfils has never been one for quiet celebrations.
On the night he turned 40, the Frenchman was doing what he has done for nearly two decades at the US Open: entertaining a packed New York crowd, producing spectacular athleticism and leaving Louis Armstrong Stadium with another memorable victory.
His 18th and final appearance at the hard-court major began with a 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-0 victory over Adolfo Daniel Vallejo, as Monfils recovered from a slow start to fire 37 winners and turn the match into a celebration of his remarkable longevity.
A birthday to remember
The opening set belonged to Vallejo, but Monfils quickly changed the script.
Once he found his rhythm, the Frenchman took control, mixing aggressive shot-making with the improvisational
brilliance that has made him one of tennis' most popular showmen.
There were jumping shots, athletic recoveries, and plenty of interaction with a crowd that seemed determined to make his milestone birthday unforgettable.
"This was definitely very special, to play on the day of my 40th birthday," Monfils said during his on-court interview as fans sang *Happy Birthday*.
"You guys always make it electric. The atmosphere is unbelievable. I feel great here. I always try to put on a great show. "
He certainly delivered one.
A final New York chapter
The victory carries extra significance because Monfils has already announced that he will retire at the end of the 2026 season.
That makes this US Open more than another tournament. It is his farewell to a stage where he has spent years captivating audiences with his athleticism, personality and spectacular style.
Rather than dwell on the ending, however, Monfils is embracing the moment.
At 40, he is still capable of producing the kind of tennis that made him a fan favourite around the world. Against Vallejo, that meant turning a difficult opening set into a dominant three-set response and finishing the match without dropping another set.
Svitolina's special gift
Among those watching from the stands was Monfils' wife, WTA star Elina Svitolina.
The couple had already shared the court at the tournament, reaching the mixed doubles semi-finals the previous week. On Tuesday night, Svitolina was there simply as a supporter, cheering Monfils on despite having her own match to prepare for the following day.
Her presence was meaningful enough. But she had also arranged a birthday surprise.
Asked whether she had bought him a present, Monfils revealed that Svitolina had given him a watch to mark his 40th birthday.
"I think she's playing tomorrow, so it's a great effort for her to stay here [and support]," Monfils said.
"It was an amazing gift. If she allows me to say, she gave me a great watch for my 40th. "
It was a fittingly personal present on a night that was already filled with emotion.
Learner Tien challenge awaits in next round
The celebration, however, cannot last too long.
Monfils' next challenge will be Learner Tien, the 20-year-old American and reigning Next Gen ATP Finals champion.
The matchup offers a chance for Monfils to avenge a recent defeat. Tien won their only previous Lexus ATP head-to-head meeting, beating the Frenchman in three sets in Montreal last month.
There was a memorable moment after that encounter, too: Tien asked Monfils for his signature.
Now the two will meet again, this time on the much bigger stage of the US Open.
One more show, one more 'Last Dance'
For Monfils, every match now carries the knowledge that the finish line is approaching.
But Tuesday night offered a reminder that his final season does not have to be defined by farewell speeches or nostalgia.
It can still be about the things that have defined him throughout his career: athleticism, showmanship, laughter, spectacular shots, and an unbreakable connection with the crowd.
On his 40th birthday, Monfils gave New York exactly what it came to see.
And judging by the reception he received, the city is not ready for the show to end just yet.
