Milestone Birthday Win for Gael Monfils as Alexander Zverev Survives Epic Five-Set Thriller at Flushing Meadows
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The 2026 US Open delivered high drama, historic milestones, and fierce athletic battles on the courts of न्यूयार्क as veteran French star Gael Monfils celebrated his 40th birthday by matching a legendary tournament record. While Monfils rallied brilliantly to secure a four-set victory, top seed Alexander Zverev had to dig deep during a grueling four-hour and fifty-three-minute marathon to overcome an early deficit and survive a major scare at Flushing Meadows.
Gael Monfils Matches Jimmy Connors' Historic 40th Birthday Record
Playing on his 40th birthday on Tuesday, September 1, French fan-favorite Gael Monfils delivered a masterclass in resilience against 22-year-old Adolfo Daniel Vallejo of Paraguay. After dropping the opening set 2-6, Monfils roared back with dominant tennis, sweeping the next three sets 6-1, 6-2, 6-0 to secure his place in the next round. By winning a main draw singles match at age 40 on the exact same court where American tennis icon Jimmy Connors achieved the feat on his 40th birthday back in 1992, Monfils etched his name alongside tournament royalty. Touched by the crowd's rousing "Happy Birthday" choruses, Monfils expressed gratitude, noting that performing in such an electric atmosphere was the ultimate gift.
Alexander Zverev Survives Sonego in a Four-Hour-Fifty-Three-Minute Epic
Top seed Alexander Zverev faced a grueling test of endurance before clawing his way past unseeded Italian competitor Lorenzo Sonego. In a match characterized by relentless momentum shifts, Zverev found himself trailing 3-6, 6-7(7) and standing just two points away from elimination at 4-5 in the fourth set. Displaying championship grit, the German star mounted a stunning comeback, breaking back and eventually wearing down Sonego to secure a hard-fought 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(7), 7-5, 6-4 victory after nearly five hours of intense competition.
Key Victories Across Men's and Women's Singles Draws
The opening rounds witnessed several other notable performances as top contenders advanced through the bracket:
Men's Singles Highlights: Italian fifth seed Flavio Cobolli completed a remarkable two-set comeback against Argentina's Francisco Comesaña to win 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. Thirteenth seed Lorenzo Musetti eased past Britain's Arthur Ferry 6-3, 6-3, 7-5, while American favorite Taylor Fritz dominated compatriot Darwin Blanch 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.
Women's Singles Highlights: Second seed Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan dispelled injury worries following a recent foot issue in Cincinnati, powering past American wild card Thea Frodin 6-3, 6-2. Frodin, widely recognized for playing young Serena Williams in a biographical film, made her Grand Slam debut but fell short against the seasoned Kazakh star. Meanwhile, fifth seed Mirra Andreeva cruised past Indonesia's Janice Jen 6-2, 6-2, and America's Madison Keys overcame Alina Korneeva 7-5, 6-4.
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