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Most people celebrate their 40th birthday with a slap-up meal or a surprise party.<\/b><\/p>\n
Gael Monfils, the maverick Frenchman who always knows how to have fun on the court, marked his milestone by winning a Grand Slam match at the US Open.<\/p>\n
Playing in the final major of his career, Monfils ensured he had a unforgettable night with a 2-6 6-1 6-2 6-0 victory over Paraguayan opponent Adolfo Daniel Vallejo.<\/p>\n
The former world number six is the oldest man to win a US Open main-draw match since Jimmy Connors – who also won on his 40th birthday in 1992.<\/p>\n
The New York crowd made the occasion even more memorable for Monfils by bursting into an impromptu rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ during his post-victory interview.<\/p>\n
“To play on my 40th birthday is very special,” said the 2016 US Open semi-finalist, who announced last year he will retire at the end of this season.<\/p>\n
“The atmosphere [in New York] is always electric – I feel great here. I always try to play great tennis and put on a great show.”<\/p>\n
Addressing the thousands of fans who created a celebratory atmosphere on Louis Armstrong Stadium, he added: “You guys rock – let’s keep it up for the second round.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n