Gael Monfils ended his Grand Slam tournament career with a defeat at the US Open against American Learner Tien. At 40 years old, the French tennis player announced his retirement from the sport and his next step in the financial field.
In a match held in New York, Monfils was defeated by Tien with a score of 6-3, 6-4 and 6-3, thus concluding his last participation in a Grand Slam. Currently, he is ranked 311 in the world and finishes his career in the majors with an impressive record of 34 wins and 18 losses in 20 appearances at the US Open. With a total of 131 victories in Grand Slam tournaments, Monfils ranks as the French player with the most wins in this category.
After the match, the Louis Armstrong Stadium gave him an emotional standing ovation. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) held a ceremony in his honor, where CEO Craig Tiley and tournament director Eric Butorac presented him with a special recognition. Clearly moved, Monfils addressed the audience, stating: “I want to thank you all. I felt all your love.” He also lovingly referred to the New York crowd, describing them as his “second best audience” after that of Paris.
Monfils also shared his plans after retiring from tennis, revealing his intention to work in finance. “My next chapter involves working in an office, in the world of finance. I have already signed to work in wealth management at a Swiss company,” he explained during the post-match press conference. Although he emphasized that his love for tennis will remain, he clarified that his focus will shift to the financial sector, while also supporting his wife, Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina.
Monfils’ retirement comes after a notable victory earlier on his birthday, where he defeated Paraguayan Adolfo Daniel Vallejo in the first round of the tournament at Flushing Meadows. With this win, he became the oldest player to win a match in the main draw of the US Open since 1992. The news of his retirement adds to that of other players such as Kei Nishikori and Stan Wawrinka, who have also announced the US Open as their last Grand Slam.
Despite closing his chapter in the majors, Monfils plans to continue competing at a professional level, intending to officially retire at the end of the 2026 season, culminating his career with a farewell at the Paris Masters, in his hometown.
Source: www.infobae.com
