Gael Monfils may have exited the US Open in the first round and has been struggling lately, but admits he wants to return to Flushing Meadows at least one more time in his career since playing to 40 years is his final goal.
The Frenchman, who is now ranked at No. 49 in the world, played his opening match at this years US Open on Tuesday. While the former world No. 6 competed pretty well against Roman Safiullin, in the end he fell just short, as the 94th-ranked Russian earned a narrow 6-4 2-6 6-1 3-6 6-4 win in just less than three hours of play.
Afterward, Monfils admitted that his average level isnt good and that it has become harder for him to play and win. However, the 13-time ATP winner, who will celebrate his 39th birthday on Monday, seemingly hopes to play at least another full season. And in case his ranking isnt good enough to enter the 2026 US Open player field directly, he will simply ask for a wildcard.
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Monfils: My final goal is to play until 40
Thats my final goal. To play until 40. hope Ill enter this tournament with my ranking, otherwise Ill ask for a wild card like Caro (Garcia). I feel capable of reaching 40, honestly. Its not too far away. But above all, Id like to be competitive. Ill do everything I can to do that. There are few athletes who manage to perform at a good level at 40. Id like to be one of those who performed well until 40, the former world No. 6 said.
Had Monfils defeated Safiullin, he would have become the oldest male player to win a US Open singles match since Jimmy Connors, who triumphed at Flushing Meadows in 1992, on his 40th birthday.
Monfils started the 2025 season by winning Auckland, but since then his form has dipped and he is 18-14 after losing his last four matches.
