US Open: 'I don't feel so bad', Gaël Monfils qualifies for the second round on his 40th birthday

Gaël Monfils celebrated his 40th birthday with a hard-fought victory at the U.S. Open, advancing to the second round of the tournament. The French veteran, ranked 311th in the world, defeated the 18-year-old Paraguayan player Adolfo Daniel Vallejo in four sets, 6-2, 6-1, 6-2, 6-0, to become the third man over 40 to win a match at the U.S. Open in men’s singles history. He joined the ranks of Australian legend Ken Rosewall, who won a match at age 42 in 1977, and American great Jimmy Connors, who achieved the feat at 40 in 1992. Monfils, known for his flair and tenacity on the court, faced Vallejo in the opening round at the Louis Armstrong Stadium in Flushing Meadows. The match was marked by a dramatic shift in momentum, with Monfils initially struggling in the first set before regaining control and finishing the contest decisively. His performance earned praise from fans, many of whom had gathered to support him during his final major appearance. The crowd cheered enthusiastically throughout the match, with some spectators waving French flags and displaying signs honoring the 40-year-old star. The 311th-ranked Monfils, once a top-six player, has been gradually stepping back from competitive play. His recent participation in the Paris Masters 1000 signaled the beginning of his retirement. Despite this, he remained determined to make an impact at the U.S. Open. During the post-match interview, Monfils expressed gratitude for the support from the New York audience, calling them “incredible” and acknowledging their role in keeping the atmosphere electric. He also joked about his age, saying he hoped to remain competitive beyond his 40th year. In the early stages of the match, Monfils appeared hesitant, possibly due to the pressure of playing on his birthday. He admitted feeling tense during the first set, though he maintained that he did not feel too bad overall. “I didn’t feel too bad, but I always have this fear of giving 100 percent because I don’t have the same reservoir anymore,” he told reporters after the match. This sentiment reflected both his physical condition and his awareness of the challenges of competing at an advanced age. As the match progressed, Monfils regained his composure and played more aggressively. His precision improved significantly, particularly on his serves, which saw a high percentage of points won compared to Vallejo’s. In the fourth set, Monfils dominated completely, sealing the victory with a powerful serve and a decisive game-winning shot. The young opponent, clearly overwhelmed, struggled to keep up with the intensity of the match. Monfils’ performance was not just a personal triumph but also a moment of celebration for French tennis fans. His career has been defined by moments of brilliance and resilience, including his run to the semifinals at the 2016 U.S. Open and a memorable clash against Roger Federer in 2014. Fans in New York were reminded of these past glories as they cheered Monfils through each rally. The emotional connection between the player and his supporters was evident, with many expressing admiration for his longevity and passion for the sport. With his victory, Monfils has extended his stay at the U.S. Open, ensuring that his farewell will include more than one match. As he prepares for the next round, the focus shifts to his potential opponents, while fans continue to honor the legacy of a player who has left an indelible mark on the tennis world.