# Gaël Monfils late-career tennis milestones > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/gal-monfils-late-career-tennis-milestones > Updated: 2026-09-02T03:30:45.000Z. Sources: 37. Developments: 4. French tennis veteran Gaël Monfils achieved significant milestones during the late stages of his career in August 2026. On 3 August, Monfils defeated Kamil Majchrzak in the first round of the Canadian Open in Montreal. At age 39, the victory made him the second-oldest man to claim a main-draw singles win at the tournament, trailing only Richard ‘Pancho’ Gonzales. Following this performance, Monfils competed in the US Open. On his 40th birthday, he defeated Paraguay’s Daniel Vallejo in a four-set match (2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-0). At Louis Armstrong Stadium, Monfils utilized his athleticism and showmanship to overcome an initial set loss and dominate the remainder of the match. This win marked him as the oldest man to win a match at the US Open since Jimmy Connors in 1992. The victory also represents Monfils’ 34th career win at the tournament, the most achieved by a Frenchman in New York. During the event, he also competed in mixed doubles alongside his wife, Elina Svitolina, where they reached the semi-finals. Monfils, who has indicated his intention to retire at the end of the season, will face American Learner Tien in the second round. This victory keeps his farewell Grand Slam campaign active at the tournament where he previously reached the semifinals in 2016. ## Claims - Gael Monfils defeated Adolfo Daniel Vallejo 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-0 in the first round of the US Open. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Monfils is the first player to win a US Open match at age 40 or older since Jimmy Connors in 1992. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Gael Monfils defeated Adolfo Daniel Vallejo in the first round of the 2026 US Open. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The match score was 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-0 in favor of Monfils. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Monfils will face Learner Tien in the second round of the tournament. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Monfils plans to retire at the end of the 2026 season. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Monfils will face Learner Tien in the second round. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Monfils plans to retire from professional tennis at the end of the 2026 season. (single source) - Monfils recorded his 34th career victory at the US Open. (single source) - Monfils is the oldest man to win a US Open match since Jimmy Connors in 1992. (single source) - Monfils has recorded 34 career victories at the US Open. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-02: Gael Monfils wins US Open opening match on 40th birthday Gael Monfils marked his 40th birthday with a first-round US Open win over Adolfo Daniel Vallejo, becoming the oldest player to win at the tournament since 1992. 27 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gael-monfils-wins-us-open-first-round-on-40th-birthday ### 2026-09-02: US Open: Kempen, Panova, and Zverev advance in tournament Various players advance at the US Open, including Magali Kempen and Alexandra Panova in doubles, and Alexander Zverev following a five-hour thriller. Gael Monfils also secured a victory on his 40th birthday. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-open-kempen-panova-and-zverev-advance-in-tournament ### 2026-08-31: Gael Monfils wins US Open opener on 40th birthday Gael Monfils celebrated his 40th birthday with a US Open first-round win over Adolfo Daniel Vallejo, becoming the oldest player to win a match at the tournament since Jimmy Connors in 1992. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gael-monfils-to-play-final-grand-slam-at-us-open ### 2026-08-03: Gael Monfils, 39, becomes second-oldest winner at Canadian Open in Montreal Gaël Monfils, 39, beat Kamil Majchrzak 6‑4 6‑4 at the Canadian Open in Montreal, becoming the second‑oldest winner in the event’s history and ending a four‑month winless streak. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gael-monfils-becomes-oldest-winner-at-canadian-open-in-montreal --- Cite as: Gaël Monfils late-career tennis milestones. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/gal-monfils-late-career-tennis-milestones