New York (AFP) – Gael Monfils took a final Grand Slam bow Thursday night, losing to American Learner Tien in straight sets but basking in a last showering of love from the New York crowd. Tien, seeded 14th, defeated the French veteran 6-3, 6-4, 6-3. The Frenchman, who has said 2026 will be his last year on tour, kept Tien in his sights, but could never seize control.
“It was unbelievable atmosphere, amazing energy on the court,” Monfils said. “I gave my absolute all, even I think I went over, but Learner was a really tough one tonight.” The unflappable Tien, a lefty skilled at moving opponents around the court and finishing with a big forehand or touch shot, saved all eight break points he faced over the two hour and 16 minute match. But the American rising star was not the pick of the Big Apple crowd. “Le Monf” has amassed a sizeable following in New York since his US Open debut in 2005 where he is a fan favorite even when playing an American.
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A video montage of Monfils highlights shown after the contest consisted of some of the Frenchman’s greatest hits on the hard courts of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, including leaping smashes and unbelievable gets. During the match, chants of “Monfils” erupted frequently, most loudly in the third set. “It’s been a long ride,” Monfils said as he thanked the crowd. “I felt all the love this year,” Monfils said. “You are my second best crowd. Of course, it can’t top Paris, but you are up there!”
Thursday marked Monfils’s 18th appearance at the New York Grand Slam, a run that began with a five-set first-round loss to Novak Djokovic of Serbia in 2005 when both men were teenagers. His best showing came in 2016 when Monfils reached the semi-finals, again losing to Djokovic. He stole one last win on Tuesday night in four sets over Adolfo Daniel Vallejo of Paraguay, just the third man 40 or over to win a match at the New York slam in the Open era after Ken Rosewall in 1977 and Jimmy Connors in 1992.
Monfils has taken a finance job in wealth management for a Swiss company, but said, “I will always have a look on tennis because I love the sport.” Monfils noted that his wife, world number nine Elina Svitolina of Ukraine, continues to play.
– Rising star – Tien, 20, is one of a handful of American men positioned for potentially deep runs in New York this year. Although Tien did not have the crowd during the contest, he received warm applause after the match, which concluded with a warm handshake and embrace with a smiling Monfils after match point. “I really didn’t want the greatest comeback of all time to happen against me,” Tien said. “It’s very special to win in your home country.”
Tien said he had expected a “very rowdy” court. “I didn’t expect the crowd to be for me necessarily,” Tien said with a smile. “But I’m glad they really, you know, came out in full force tonight. It was cool to play in that atmosphere.” Tien will next play 17th-seeded Jakub Mensik of the Czech Republic.
© 2024 AFP
