Gael Monfils confirms his plans for the future after losing in the first round at the US Open

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It wasn’t to be for Gael Monfils in New York, as he fell at the first hurdle.

For the first time in four years, Monfils lost in the first round of a Grand Slam, coming up short against Roman Safiullin at the US Open.

The 38-year-old Frenchman has struggled to pick up wins on the ATP Tour as of late, and last won multiple matches at an event five months ago in Miami.

As one of the oldest players on tour today, it’s fair to say Monfils is nearer the end of his career than the beginning.

However, in a recent social media update, Monfils confirmed his plans to continue playing tennis.

Gael Monfils says his confidence took a ‘hit’ at the US Open but insists he ‘still believes’

Reacting to his first-round defeat in New York, Monfils took to Instagram to share his thoughts.

“New York, you were incredible,” he said.

“The American swing wasn’t what I hoped for – no wins, confidence took a hit… but so many new experiences.

• 2025 Washington Open 1R – Gael Monfils lost to Yibing Wu, 3-6, 1-6
• 2025 Canadian Open 1R – Gael Monfils lost to Marcelo Tomas Barrios Vera, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7
• 2025 US Open 1R – Gael Monfils lost to Roman Safiullin, 4-6, 6-2, 1-6, 6-3, 4-6

At the US Open, the energy was unreal. Your support in the stands, your messages, your smiles – you carried me, even in defeat. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

“Not an easy stretch. Results haven’t gone my way, and the confidence isn’t there yet. But I still believe. I’ll keep putting in the work to climb back, find my rhythm, and rebuild that confidence step by step.

“Next stop: the Asian swing. Back to work with determination and drive.

“Thank you for being with me – it means the world.”

With Monfils setting his sights on the Asian swing, it certainly doesn’t look like he’s planning on retiring any time soon.

The Frenchman is scheduled to return to action at the Chengdu Open ATP 250 event, which begins on Monday, September 15.

He’ll travel to China alongside several top ATP stars, in search of his second tour-level title of the season, having won the ASB Classic in January.

Not for the first time this year, Monfils will take to the court as the oldest player at the event…

Gael Monfils is the oldest player in the ATP top 100

The Frenchman is about to turn 39, and when he does, he will become the only player at that age currently ranked inside the top 100.

Monfils is currently one of just six players over the age of 35 to reside in the top 100.

35+ players in the top 100

• 7. Novak Djokovic (38)
• 47. Roberto Bautista Agut (37)
• 49. Gael Monfils (38)
• 62. Marin Cilic (36)
• 77. Adrian Mannarino (37)
• 90. Kei Nishikori (35)

You’d have to look down to 146th in the world rankings to find a player older than Monfils, Stan Wawrinka.

At the age of 40, Wawrinka continues to compete and even reached a Challenger Tour final earlier this year.

The three-time major champion will next appear at the Rennes Challenger event, which begins on Monday, September 8.