The 14th-seeded Tien secured a 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 victory in a contest that lasted two hours and 16 minutes. Despite Monfils remaining competitive throughout the match, the 20-year-old American proved clinical in the decisive moments, successfully saving all eight break points he faced. Tien’s ability to dictate play with his left-handed forehand and precise touch shots ultimately proved too much for the Frenchman to overcome.
A Final Bow in New York
Following the conclusion of the match, the atmosphere shifted from competitive intensity to a celebration of a long and vibrant career. A highlight reel featuring some of Monfils’ most iconic moments—including his trademark leaping smashes and acrobatic defensive plays—was displayed to the crowd. The audience, which had chanted his name throughout the third set, offered a prolonged tribute to the player who first graced the New York courts as a teenager in 2005.
Reflecting on his 18-year history at the event, Monfils expressed his gratitude to the spectators. “It’s been a long ride,” he remarked during his post-match address. “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, who has confirmed that 2026 will be his final year on the professional tour, reached his career-best US Open result in 2016 when he advanced to the semi-finals.
Tien Advances to Next Round
For Learner Tien, the victory represents a significant step in his development as one of the promising young talents in American tennis. Acknowledging the weight of the occasion, the 20-year-old admitted he was wary of a potential comeback from his experienced opponent. “I really didn’t want the greatest comeback of all time to happen against me,” Tien said after the match. “It’s very special to win in your home country.”
The match concluded with a respectful embrace at the net, drawing warm applause from the stadium. Tien now moves forward in the tournament bracket, where he is scheduled to face 17th-seeded Jakub Mensik of the Czech Republic in the next round.
