Monfils falls to Tien at US Open in Grand Slam farewell

New York: Gael Monfils concluded his final Grand Slam at the US Open on Thursday, succumbing to American Learner Tien in straight sets 6-3, 6-4, 6-3. Despite Monfils' French nationality, the American crowd showered him with support throughout the two hour and 16 minute match.

Seeded 14th, Tien, a left-handed player known for his ability to disrupt opponents' positioning, saved all eight break points during the grueling encounter. However, Monfils, who has garnered a substantial fan base in New York since his US Open debut in 2005, was the more popular figure in the city.

After the match, Monfils expressed gratitude for the crowd's unwavering support, stating, "It has been a long ride. I felt all the love this year. You are my second best crowd. Of course, it can't top Paris, but you are up there!" Monfils' presence at the event marked his 18th appearance at the New York Grand Slam, with his best result coming in 2016 when he reached the semi-finals, once again falling to Djokovic.

Tien, 20, is one of a select group of American men who have a realistic chance of staging deep runs at the US Open this year. While Tien did not enjoy the support of the crowd during the match, he received warm applause upon concluding his victory, which culminated in a heartwarming handshake and embrace with Monfils. Tien remarked, "It's very special to win in your home country." Tien will face 17th-seeded Jakub Mensik of the Czech Republic in his next match.