Age is just a number: Gael Monfils makes Montreal history in final ATP season
ATPWednesday, 05 August 2026 at 06:30
Gael Monfils made Canadian Open history on Tuesday night, becoming the oldest man to win a main-draw singles match at the tournament since 1970 after defeating Kamil Majchrzak 6-4, 6-4 in Montreal. At 39 years and 335 days old, the Frenchman turned back the clock once again, adding another remarkable chapter to one of the most entertaining careers in modern tennis.
Playing on a wildcard in what is expected to be his final appearance at the Canadian Open, Monfils showed flashes of the level that made him one of the biggest stars of his generation. The victory moved him into the second round of the Masters 1000 event and placed him behind only Richard “Pancho” Gonzales, who was 42 when he last achieved the feat in 1970.
The result was even more impressive considering the quality of his opponent. Majchrzak arrived in Montreal after winning the Libema Open earlier this season, where he defeated three top-10 players during his title run, including Daniil Medvedev, Alex de Minaur and Félix Auger-Aliassime. Monfils’ victory served as another reminder that, despite his age and recent struggles, he remains capable of competing against the best.
The Frenchman entered the tournament with a difficult 2026 season record of 3-7, but Montreal has historically been one of the most successful stops of his career. The two-time semifinalist at the event (2016 and 2019) is now chasing another memorable run during his farewell season, with a second-round clash against No. 12 seed Learner Tien awaiting him.
Vintage Monfils still has plenty left
Monfils looked remarkably sharp throughout the match, especially on serve. Although he landed just 45 percent of his first serves, he won 84 percent of those points and fired eight aces, repeatedly using his experience to escape difficult moments. He struck 25 winners and converted four of his nine break-point opportunities, proving that he can still compete with dangerous opponents at Masters 1000 level.
The closing stages briefly became tense when Majchrzak recovered one of the breaks and saved a match point, but Monfils responded with a composed love hold to finish the match in one hour and 24 minutes. The celebration was classic “La Monf”: the trademark golf-swing gesture that has accompanied so many memorable victories throughout his career.
“I felt like I played well, I was serving really good. I’m super happy that I got through," Monfils said after the match. "Of course nerves came. To be honest I played so many matches like this in my career, you just try to delete it. The momentum shifted and I was there.”
Another remarkable chapter in a remarkable career
The victory adds yet another milestone to one of the most unique careers in modern tennis. Only last year, at age 38, Monfils became the oldest ATP Tour champion since 1990 by winning the title in Auckland. Now he has added another longevity record in Montreal while increasing his career total to 146 Masters 1000 victories.
A two-time semifinalist in Montreal in 2016 and 2019, Monfils will next face 12th seed Learner Tien in the second round. On paper, the younger American will be favored, but that was also true of many opponents Monfils has surprised during the twilight of his career. At 39, with retirement only months away, Gael Monfils was supposed to be looking back. Instead, he is still making history.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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