ESPN criticized for not showing conclusion of Gael Monfils, Learner Tien US Open match
ESPN chose to show Malika Andrews, Sam Querrey desk commentary instead of conclusion of Gael Monfils, Learner Tien match. Monfils is making his final appearance at the US Open.
On September 3, 2026, during an evening of US Open tennis coverage, ESPN made a puzzling choice. As Coco Gauff advanced past Paula Badosa and the network prepared to transition to Alexander Zverev's match against Quentin Hays, it decided to broadcast a commentary segment with anchor Malika Andrews and former player Sam Querrey, rather than airing the final moments of Gael Monfils’ and Learner Tien's contest. This was Monfils' final appearance at the US Open, as he was set to retire from professional tennis post-season.
Gael Monfils, who turned 40 on Tuesday, had been a fixture at the US Open for over two decades, beginning as a junior player. His career culminated in a straight sets loss to Tien. The Frenchman had thanked the crowd for their support throughout his career, ranking New York's raucous fans second only to those at the French Open, his home tournament.
Fans were deprived of witnessing Monfils' emotional farewell to the court, as well as Learner Tien's triumphant third-round performance, which saw him advance to the third round for the first time in his career. ESPN’s decision to prioritize commentary over live play not only deprived viewers of these moments but also raised questions about the network's priorities in its coverage of one of tennis' most prestigious events.
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