NEW YORK — American Learner Tien closed the Grand Slam chapter of Gael Monfils’ career on Thursday night, beating the French showman 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 in the U.S. Open second round under the lights at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Monfils, who turned 40 two days earlier and had become the oldest man to win a U.S. Open match since Jimmy Connors with a first-round victory over Adolfo Daniel Vallejo, finished his major career with 131 wins in 201 matches — the most by any French player, ahead of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Richard Gasquet. He plans to play a handful of events before retiring on home soil at the Paris Masters later this season.
Tien, the No. 14 seed and half Monfils’ age, converted none of the Frenchman’s eight break points against him and dictated from the baseline after taking the opening set. It was only the seventh time in 201 major matches that Monfils failed to break serve. The crowd chanted his name after the final forehand into the net; a career video montage and a framed commemorative photograph followed on court as wife Elina Svitolina looked on.
“I gave my absolute all, even I think I went over, but Learner was a really tough one tonight,” Monfils said afterward. Tien said facing him amid a farewell atmosphere was special. “I really appreciate him giving it all to me tonight. It’s very special to win in your home Slam,” the Californian added, recalling that he had asked Monfils for an autograph only weeks earlier when they met in Montreal.
Sources: CNA / Reuters; BBC Sport; AFP.
