{
  "id": 5005769,
  "title": "Monfils celebrates 40th birthday with special US Open win",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/monfils-celebrates-40th-birthday-with-special-us-open-win-5005769",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-02T03:41:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/monfils-celebrates-40th-birthday-special-034131430.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Gael Monfils, the French tennis player, turned 40 years old on the court at the US Open, celebrating his milestone with a memorable victory. Known for his fun-loving and entertaining style on the court, Monfils delivered an unforgettable performance with a 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-0 win over Paraguayan player Adolfo Daniel Vallejo. The 2016 US Open semi-finalist, who announced his retirement at the end of the season, became the oldest man to win a US Open main-draw match since fellow Frenchman Jimmy Connors, who did the same in 1992.\n\nThe New York crowd added to the excitement by spontaneously singing \"Happy Birthday\" during Monfils' post-victory interview. Monfils expressed his appreciation for the atmosphere in New York, stating, \"The atmosphere is always electric - I feel great here.\" He aimed to put on a great show and make the most of his 131st Grand Slam match win, extending his all-time record for a Frenchman.\n\nMonfils struggled with a shaky start against the 60th-ranked Vallejo but quickly regained control, dominating the next three sets. He credited his wife Elina Svitolina for the birthday gift, a watch that further motivated him during the match. The charismatic and stylish tennis player left fans in awe with his exhibition of skill and athleticism, proving once again why he is a beloved figure in the world of tennis.",
  "summary": "French veteran Gael Monfils is treated to a rendition of 'Happy Birthday' by the US Open crowd as he becomes the oldest man to win a match there since 1992.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 7,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Gael Monfils wins on his 40th birthday at the US Open to extend his Grand Slam career",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/gael-monfils-wins-on-his-40th-birthday-at-the-us-open-to-extend-his",
        "published": "2026-09-02T01:54:06.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Jubilant Monfils celebrates birthday with US Open win",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/jubilant-monfils-celebrates-birthday-with-us-open-win",
        "published": "2026-09-02T02:07:18.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Jubilant Monfils celebrates birthday with US Open win",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/jubilant-monfils-celebrates-birthday-with-us-open-win-4995777",
        "published": "2026-09-02T02:17:18.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Sydney Morning Herald",
        "title": "Fans serenade Monfils on his 40th birthday",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/fans-serenade-monfils-on-his-40th-birthday",
        "published": "2026-09-02T02:20:02.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Age",
        "title": "Fans serenade Monfils on his 40th birthday",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/fans-serenade-monfils-on-his-40th-birthday-4998160",
        "published": "2026-09-02T02:20:02.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport",
        "title": "Monfils celebrates 40th birthday with special US Open win",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/monfils-celebrates-40th-birthday-with-special-us-open-win",
        "published": "2026-09-02T03:41:26.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}