Frenchman Gael Monfils is through to the last 16 at the Australian Open after a scintillating display against fourth seed Taylor Fritz.
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One of the sport’s greatest showmen, Monfils sent a huge ace down the middle to win the game and immediately started dancing with joy.
Monfils thrilled fans on Margaret Court Arena producing a 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (1), 6-4 upset over the talented American.
The veteran played some exciting tennis, combining brilliant, crafty groundstrokes with a huge serve.
He hit a whopping 24 aces to progress to the round of 16 at the Australian Open for the sixth time in his career.
“The game plan was to hold the baseline and change the tempo, hit some big shots down the line and also use some shape. I did the job,” Monfils said post-match.
“We work hard, and I try to be very disciplined with the recovery. I’m a strong believer that I can still do some damage, and I have big trust in my team,” he said.
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After dropping the first set, Monfils fought back to claim the second set before a dominant display in the third set tiebreaker saw him take advantage of the contest.
When he broke Fritz at four games all in the fourth set, victory was close.
In a hilarious post-match interview, Monfils said he “warmed up the court” for 28th seed and wife Elina Svitolina, who takes on fourth seed Italian Jasmine Paolini next.
The lively Frenchman also joked about what his post-match recovery might entail.
“My physio wants more… I will try two minutes maximum. I try to sneak in and out a little bit! An ice bath is not for me so much,” he laughed.
The 38-year-old’s start to 2025, his 22nd year on tour, has been mightily impressive.
Monfils became the oldest man in almost 50 years to win an ATP Tour title in Auckland about a week ago and was absolutely electric against the talented American today.
He is also now the second oldest man, only behind the great Roger Federer, to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open since it was moved to Melbourne Park back in 1988.
He will take on the winner of Ben Shelton and Lorenzo Musetti in the next round for a place in the quarter finals.
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