Gael Monfils described Tuesday night as one of his “top 10” birthdays.
After the Frenchman advanced to the second round of the U.S. Open, he was serenaded by Louis Armstrong Stadium with a rendition of “Happy Birthday” in honor of his 40th.
He stopped in the middle of an answer during his on-court interview and smiled as the crowd began singing to him, with his wife — fellow tennis star and No. 9 seed Elina Svitolina — joining in on the impromptu sing-along.
“Thank you very much, I don’t even know what to say,” he said as the crowd applauded.
Tuesday was certainly a memorable birthday as he became the oldest man to win a singles match at the U.S. Open in over 30 years at the age of 40, with his 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-0 victory against Adolfo Daniel Vallejo.
This year’s tournament is a special one for Monfils, who is retiring from tennis after the 2026 season. Despite falling in the first set, he put on an impressive performance after that to take the next three sets.
“That was definitely very special, to play on the day of my 40th birthday,” he said during the on-court interview. “You guys always make it electric. The atmosphere is unbelievable. I feel great here. I always try to put on a great show, so let’s keep it up for the second round.”
Noting the special day that it was, the on-court interviewer asked Monfils what his wife had gotten him for his birthday.
“It was an amazing gift. If she allows me to say it, she offered me a great watch for my 40th,” he said.
Monfils has never won a grand slam in his career and the furthest he made it in the U.S. Open was the semis in 2016, but a run this year would certainly be quite a way to start your 40th year of life.
Speaking inside the press conference room, Monfils said his favorite birthdays had been when he’s spent them with loved ones.
“I won’t lie to you, my best birthday was with my family when I couldn’t come here, you know, playing,” he said. “Tonight was, of course, special. Special number, 40, playing a good match, so it was special. But, yeah, I think my best birthday was — I can’t remember, but was back with my family. That definitely was the best one.
“But this one, let’s say, I will put it in the top 10.”
