Gael Monfils vs. Learner Tien Prediction, Betting Pick, Latest US Open Odds for Thursday, September 3rd
Gael Monfils tries to extend his farewell US Open run Thursday against one of the fastest-rising young players in tennis, Learner Tien. Monfils produced a vintage comeback on his 40th birthday, but Tien cruised through his opening match and enters with a massive freshness advantage.
Peter Alexis - September 3, 2026, 5:00 PM EDT
4 Minute ReadGael Monfils vs. Learner Tien Prediction: Can Tien Shut Down Final Spark from Monfils in US Open Second Round?
Monfils and Tien are scheduled for approximately 7:00 PM ET on Louis Armstrong Stadium. Tien is an enormous -539 favorite with Monfils at +371, but the straight-sets market provides a much more attractive +125 return on the young American.
Monfils' opening round was one of the emotional highlights of the tournament. Playing on his 40th birthday and in his final US Open, he recovered from losing the first set 6-2 to Adolfo Daniel Vallejo and then completely overwhelmed the 22-year-old, taking the next three sets 6-1, 6-2, 6-0.
Gael Monfils vs. Learner Tien Odds
- Moneyline: Monfils (+380), Tien (-525)
Gael Monfils vs. Learner Tien Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: Thursday, September 3rd, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN Unlimited
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Gael Monfils vs. Learner Tien Prediction
The comeback was remarkable, but it also required four sets from a 40-year-old whose season has already been limited by injuries and reduced scheduling. Monfils has now played mixed doubles and singles in New York and enters the second round with far more accumulated mileage than his opponent.
Tien's opener was almost the opposite. He dismantled Nuno Borges 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 for his first career US Open main-draw victory, winning 72% of his service points and never allowing the match to become physically taxing.
That result continued a breakout season. Tien reached the Australian Open quarterfinals and the Canadian Masters semifinals, establishing himself as far more than an American prospect. He enters New York as the No. 14 seed and has developed into one of the best young returners in the men's game.
There is no previous head-to-head meeting, which adds some intrigue. Monfils can still produce spectacular stretches when the crowd feeds his energy, and Thursday should again bring a huge Armstrong atmosphere. His serving and creativity make him dangerous enough that one set cannot be dismissed casually.
The physical matchup still points strongly toward Tien. He can extend rallies, make Monfils defend repeatedly and force the veteran to win points multiple times rather than simply ending exchanges with one spectacular shot. Over three sets that becomes difficult enough. Over five, it becomes an enormous ask.
Gael Monfils vs. Learner Tien Best Bet
- Best Bet: Tien Wins 3-0 Sets (+125) Check out the best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
The official US Open preview actually projected a five-set Tien victory, reflecting how much respect Monfils earned Tuesday. The betting angle takes the opposite view on the match length: Monfils' emotional first-round surge was special, but the fresher 20-year-old should be able to prevent another marathon.
Tien is playing too cleanly and arrives too fresh to expect another extended Monfils comeback.
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