Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi (64th in the world) began his career at the Australian Open brilliantly by dominating Belgian David Goffin (54th) in three sets (6-2, 6-1, 7-6) this Monday, January 13. This victory, obtained in just over two hours (2h12), allows Bonzi to advance to the second round, where he will face the Italian Francesco Passaro, lucky loser of the tournament.
A match controlled from start to finish
Opposed to an opponent whom he had never beaten in three confrontations, Benjamin Bonzi delivered a solid, even impressive, performance, particularly during the first two sets. The Gardois quickly gained the upper hand over Goffin, a former member of the Top 10, relying on an efficient serve and precise shots.
In the first two rounds, Bonzi gave his opponent no chance, largely dominating on a physical and strategic level. With an aggressive game and great consistency, he won 6-2, 6-1.
The third set, more contested, saw Goffin raise his level to take Bonzi to the deciding game. But the Frenchman, determined and calm, concluded the tie-break with a score of 9-7, thus sealing a deserved victory.
An expected revenge
This victory is all the more significant as it marks Bonzi’s first success against Goffin, who had won their three previous duels. This success comes at a key moment in the Frenchman’s career, after an early elimination in the first round last year in Melbourne against Lorenzo Musetti.
“Beating David Goffin was important for me. He was one of those players against whom I had never found the solution. Today, I managed to win with my game, and that’s a great satisfaction,” Bonzi said after his victory.
A favorable table for the second round
In the next round, Benjamin Bonzi will face Francesco Passaro (104th in the world), drafted into the main draw following the withdrawal of his compatriot Fabio Fognini. Passaro took advantage of Grigor Dimitrov’s retirement in the first round to qualify. This confrontation seems affordable for the Frenchman, who has a great opportunity to reach the third round of the Australian Open, thus equaling his best performance in Melbourne in 2023.
-In the event of a victory against Passaro, Bonzi could cross paths with his compatriot Hugo Gaston, if the latter wins against Jiri Lehecka.
A mixed day for the French
Bonzi’s qualification makes it possible to end a mixed day for French Tennis. If Arthur Cazaux had also validated his ticket for the second round, other French representatives, such as Arthur Rinderknech, Alexandre Müller, and Léolia Jeanjean, were eliminated.
“It’s a great satisfaction to see two French people moving forward today. This shows that we can be competitive in this type of tournament,” Bonzi added.
Objective: continue the momentum
At 28, Benjamin Bonzi hopes to continue his Australian adventure and confirm the progress shown since his victory at the ATP 250 tournament in Metz last November. With this victory against Goffin, he shows that he is ready to establish himself among the greats on the circuit.
The match against Francesco Passaro could be another opportunity for him to shine and consolidate his place in the world rankings. French supporters will closely follow this meeting, in the hope of seeing Bonzi continue his journey in Melbourne.
