The US Open is a big deal indeed. From being the final Grand Slam of the year to attracting fans from all over the world, the Big Apple tournament is indeed one massive tennis congregation. Naturally, the attending connoisseurs of the sport would want nothing more than to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the action. But Gael Monfils‘ first match in the event was a bitter disappointment, in more ways than one.

The 38-year-old French star is one of the most emphatic athletes on the tennis court, despite not having a beefy resume like many of his peers. With an electrifying persona and signature charisma, Monfils was quite easily one of the biggest attractions at this year’s US Open. However, as it turned out, fans had to go the extra mile to watch him in his natural habitat.

Sport TV Portugal‘s Jose Morgado took to X on August 26 to share how Gael Monfils’ time at Flushing Meadows came and went without receiving the proper spotlight. The star played against Roman Safiullin on Court 5, not exactly the place where you’d expect to see an ATP veteran. “US Open was probably expecting Monfils to withdraw, because putting him on court 5 was terrible scheduling,” fumed Morgado in his social media update.

Some fans even had to stand on their feet to watch the Day 3 spectacle, while only a handful of attendees were lucky enough to watch the match from their seats. “Absolutely packed — good for the ones who have a seat,” wrote Jose in his post on how assigning Court 5 for Monfils’ match was an absolutely deplorable move by the US Open authorities. But despite all their enthusiasm, the fans were only in for a heartbreak.

Nullifying all of Monfils’ credentials and accolades, the 28-year-old Safiullin pulled off something incredible in Court 5. The world No. 94 whipped up an upset 6-4, 2-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 victory over the Frenchman, leaving the fans just as aghast as Gael. The Russian showed his intention to bury Monfils’ hopes from the get-go, as he bagged the first set in just over half an hour. The French national fought back with grit, and the crowd didn’t hesitate to rally behind the former world No. 6, either. But all that effort couldn’t hold a candle to Roman, who almost cruised to victory with a brilliant display of sill in the decisive fifth set.

Factoring in the information that Monfils’ defat comes just days before him turning 39 (September 1), and his sadness can easily be comprehended as even more acute. And with that, came a bitter end to one of the biggest US Open possibilities in recent times. Gael, only recently crowned the oldest champion in ATP Tour history, was aiming to become the oldest men’s singles match winner in the US Open since Jimmy Connors. But that desire remained unfulfilled.

But should the fans brace themselves for another incoming blow to the gut?

Is Gael Monfils readying himself to say goodbye to the court?

At the National Bank Open last month, held in Toronto, Monfils posted yet another early exit. Falling to Chilean qualifier Tomás Barrios, the ATP veteran was visibly distraught. Following his defeat, Monfils announced that it would be his last time playing professionally in the Canadian metropolitan. But truth be told, a decision has been looming for quite some time.

Gael had previously noted how jibes flew at him when he claimed that he’s more satisfied to win fewer number of matches than playing at every tournament. But his decision to stay away from the court was also probably fueled by the fact that he was concentrating harder on his personal life: Monfils could hardly stop talking how the arrival of his daughter brightened up the lives of the star and his wife Elina Svitolina.

But will the toddler prompt Monfils to bounce back from his slump? Or his desire to enjoy his time with his family see Gael deciding to hang up his shoes in the coming days? What do you reckon?

Also, to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the Flushing Meadows action, follow EssentiallySports‘ US Open live blog!