Gaël Monfils became the oldest player to win a match at the US Open since 1992 after defeating Adolfo Daniel Vallejo 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-0 on Tuesday. The victory occurred on Monfils’ 40th birthday, matching a historical milestone previously set by Jimmy Connors, who also won a Flushing Meadows match on his 40th birthday on September 2, 1992, according to reports from Radio-Canada.
Monfils Secures First-Round Victory on 40th Birthday
Ranked 311st in the world, Monfils overcame a slow start to defeat the 60th-ranked Paraguayan Adolfo Daniel Vallejo. After dropping the first set 2-6, Monfils dominated the remainder of the match, conceding only three games across the final three sets. Monfils told reporters that he felt significant tension during the opening set and expressed caution about his physical limits, stating he doesn’t have a “crazy reservoir” of energy at his age, per Radio-Canada.
The match concluded with a crowd ovation at Louis Armstrong Stadium, where fans sang “Happy Birthday” to the Frenchman. Monfils described the experience as “exceptional” and “very special.” He intends to retire at the end of this year and is using the tournament to create final memories. He previously reached the semifinals of the event in 2016 and recently reached the mixed doubles semifinals with his wife, Elina Svitolina, according to match reports.
Flavio Cobolli Overcomes Two-Set Deficit
Italian player Flavio Cobolli, the tournament’s sixth seed, avoided an early exit by defeating Argentina’s Francisco Comesana (ranked 119th) with a score of 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. The match lasted four hours and 12 minutes. According to Radio-Canada, Cobolli credited a mental and physical reset after the second set—which included a bathroom break and a change of clothes—for his comeback.
Other Opening Round Results and Upcoming Matches
Looking ahead in the bracket, Gaël Monfils is scheduled to face American Learner Tien in the second round. Additionally, German favorite Alexander Zverev is expected to begin his campaign for a second Grand Slam title of the year.
Match Summary Comparison
| Player | Opponent | Result | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gaël Monfils | Adolfo Daniel Vallejo | Won (2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-0) | Oldest winner since Jimmy Connors (1992) |
| Flavio Cobolli | Francisco Comesana | Won (3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4) | Recovered from 0-2 set deficit |
| Taylor Fritz | Darwin Blanch | Won (6-3, 6-2, 6-4) | Defeated 18-year-old compatriot |
Related reading