Gaël Monfils ends grand slam career with US Open loss

Gaël Monfils's grand slam career ended with a second-round US Open defeat to 14th seed Learner Tien on Thursday night. The 40-year-old Frenchman, who will retire after this season, lost 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 in straight sets at Louis Armstrong Stadium.

Monfils, ranked No 311, entered the tournament on a wildcard. He was worn down by the 20-year-old American's strategy of long rallies on a muggy New York night. The veteran praised the "unbelievable atmosphere" and said he gave his absolute all, but acknowledged Tien was "a really tough one tonight."

A career of showmanship

Monfils retires as one of the greatest players never to win a major, having reached the semi-finals only twice. He peaked at world No 6 and won nearly 600 singles matches, earning $25m in prize money. His flamboyant style, featuring tweeners and spectacular movement, earned him as many fans as major titles might have.

His final US Open run showed that trademark energy. It began in mixed doubles, where he and his wife, world No 9 Elina Svitolina, reached the semi-finals. In the singles first round, on his 40th birthday, he beat Adolfo Daniel Vallejo to become the oldest man to win a US Open match since Jimmy Connors in 1992.

The final match

Tien presented a composed, smart challenge. Monfils started well but was broken in his third service game. The American played patient, draining points, finishing with 20 winners to Monfils's 29. The strategy took a clear physical toll.

By the second set, Monfils was leaning on a towel box after long rallies. A leaping backhand volley sparked the crowd, but 22 unforced errors in the set hurt him. In the third, his serve became a struggle. He double-faulted twice in the seventh game, where Tien secured the decisive break.

Monfils held up a finger, asking for one break chance after seven failed attempts. Tien's remarkable defense in the next game saved break point. The opportunity never came.

Looking back and moving on

After the match, tournament organizers held an on-court ceremony, presenting Monfils with a framed picture. A video montage of his career played on the stadium screen. He reflected on the difference between this farewell and his emotional exit at the French Open earlier this year.

"It was much better, much easier for me to handle here," Monfils said. He stated he wanted to be remembered simply as himself: "I think I have been the same since I came on tour, with a lot of joy."

Ever the showman, Monfils then revealed a surprise for his post-tennis life. He announced he will take an office job with a Swiss wealth management company. The night ended with a signature Monfils moment that summed up his career and this final match. Up 40-0 in the second set, he attempted a no-look slice on a return. The shot lobbed into the net. Monfils closed his eyes and laughed.