Learner Tien's poignant autograph request caps Gael Monfils' Canadian Open farewell

Gael Monfils has made his last Canadian Open a memorable one, but not just for him. His 6-3, 0-6, 6-3 loss to Learner Tien was a hugely entertaining match with lots of brilliant moments from the pair. It also highlighted how popular of a figure the Frenchman is with Tien among the people wanting to get some memorabilia signed after the contest.

It is another tournament ticked off the farewell tour for Monfils who is rapidly running out of events to compete in. He was handed a trio of wildcards for the North American hardcourt swing. The first one in the form of the Canadian Open is done, but the Cincinnati Open and US Open crowds are still in need of a show.

Monfils was able to put that on in Montreal in front of marvelled fans who thoroughly enjoyed the matchup between him and Tien. He set up this tie following a 6-4, 6-4 win over Kamil Majchrzak, his first win since the Monte-Carlo Masters. At contrasting stages in their tennis careers, it was the young hopeful talent that prevailed.

It was actually Monfils putting the pressure on in the early stages, missing four break points in the opening two games against the serve. He would be punished as Tien won the final four games of the set to take the lead. Never to be overshone, Monfils won the second set in only 29 minutes, dropping three points in the final three games to send it the distance with a classy bagel.

He made it seven games on the spin with a break of serve, but then Tien rose to the occasion. He broke back instantly and won six of the next eight games to avoid an upset and advance to the third round where fellow American Tommy Paul awaits.

The pair embraced at the net after the match had concluded. Tien was in awe of his opponent, 19 year's his senior, as they exchanged words with smiles on their faces following an intense battle. He was then allowed to write something on the camera, choosing the fitting word 'legend' in honour of Monfils.

Before leaving the court, Monfils was signing autographs for some lucky fans crowding near his chair. The last thing he would have expected was for his victorious opponent to be standing behind him wanting one of his own.

Sportingly, he agreed and signed the tennis ball in a poignant scene with both of them embracing shortly after. Tien later posted the ball on his Instagram stories with text reading: "First time asking for an autograph."

Just like that, Monfils has played his last professional match in Canada. He was rewarded with a special trophy after the match in a little ceremony followed by some clips of him in Canada, honouring the legacy he built up on the court.

A two-time semi-finalist at the Canadian Open in 2016 and 2019, Monfils reached the quarter-final stage a five times in total after competing in the event for the 15th time last night. His first came in 2009, showcasing the sheer longevity he has enjoyed at the top of the sport.