French tennis player Gael Monfils played the last match of his career at a Grand Slam tournament, after losing to the 15th ranked player in the world, American Lerner Thien, in the second round of the US Open in New York after three sets - 3:6, 4:6, 3:6.
"It was an incredible atmosphere. Incredible energy on the court. It was really nice. You always want to give a little more, you know, you want to stay a little longer. I gave my absolute best," Monfils stated after the match.
Fans at the Louis Armstrong Stadium chanted the name of the 40-year-old French tennis player, who will end his career at the end of this season, and gave him a standing ovation after his final shot ended up in the net.
He greeted the crowd before packing his bag, then watched a video montage of his best moments from the US Open, received a commemorative poster from the tournament organizers, and heard his name being chanted for the last time on the court in New York.
"It's been a long journey. It's been a huge honor for me to play in front of you all these years. I've been doing my best, trying to play tennis at a high professional level, but also to give you a great spectacle. You've returned the love to me and I'll never forget that," said Monfils, noting that this audience was the second best he's ever experienced, right after the one at Roland Garros in Paris.
Monfils' last appearance at the US Open came 21 years after his debut in 2005, and the furthest stage he reached in that tournament was the semifinals in 2016.
Before saying goodbye, Monfils made history by becoming the oldest tennis player to win this tournament since Jimmy Connors in 1992, who was also celebrating his 40th birthday.
Had he defeated Thien, Monfils would have become the oldest player to reach the third round in nearly half a century, since 42-year-old Ken Rosewall in 1977.
Monfils said he was reconciled with the decision to end his career and had already signed a contract with a Swiss asset management company.
He also added that he will continue to support his wife, Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina.
As for Tien, this was the second time the 20-year-old American tennis player had met Monfils, after defeating him at the Montreal tournament less than a month ago.
Tijen said it was incredible to play against the former world number six.
"I told him when we were playing in Montreal that I hoped we would have the opportunity to play another match. I knew we didn't have many opportunities like that left, so I'm so happy that it happened right here," said the American tennis player.
Tijen will play against the 18th ranked tennis player in the world, Czech Jakub Menšik, in the third round of the US Open.
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