Gaël Monfils, 38, signs one of the greatest feats of his career at the Australian Open by overthrowing Fritz, 4th in the world. A look back at an anthology victory which marks his great comeback…
During the night from Friday to Saturday, the central court of the Australian Open vibrated to the rhythm of a feat by Gaël Monfils. At 38, the Frenchman, down to 41st in the world, overthrew the American Taylor Fritz, 4th in the ATP, during an epic match in 4 sets (3-6, 7-5, 7-6, 6 -4). A prestigious success which marks the great return of the French showman.
A high-voltage exploit
With his back against the wall after the loss of the first set, Monfils held on to reverse the course of the match. Pushed by an audience won over to his cause, he came back from nowhere in the second set, winning 7-5 after being behind. In a suspenseful third round, the two men went blow for blow until the tie-break, won 7-1 by the Frenchman.
The last round was an intense showdown. Monfils held his own against the pressure imposed by Fritz to achieve a prestigious victory, his first against a top 5 Grand Slam since 2008. According to observers, the Parisian has rediscovered his flamboyant Tennis and his legendary vista during this reference match.
It’s one of my greatest Grand Slam victories. Beating Fritz here, in front of this audience, at my age, it’s just magical!
Gaël Monfils
The great return of the Monf’
After a 2024 season marred by injuries, many saw Gaël Monfils on the decline. But against Fritz, he proved that he still had good leftovers. Alternating strokes of genius and fierce defense, the Frenchman used his knowledge of the game to destabilize his opponent.
This success comes at the right time for the tennis player who dreams of one last great Grand Slam adventure. Monfils seems to have rediscovered the fire and desire that made him one of the most spectacular players on the circuit. What is there to hope for a good run in Melbourne?
-Reactions to Monfils’ XXL performance
On social networks, Monfils’ victory against Fritz sparked a wave of enthusiastic reactions. Many tennis fans praised the Frenchman’s performance, praising his fighting spirit and his game, which is still spectacular despite the years. Several of his peers also congratulated him for this feat which proves that the veteran still has great pages to write.
Huge respect for Gaël. At 38 years old, taking out Fritz in 4 sets at the Australian Open is just monstrous. What a champion!
A former tennis player
Monfils beating Fritz is simply magical. Tennis as we like it! Come on Monf’, make us dream!
A sports journalist
And now, how far for Monfils?
After this resounding feat, expectations around Gaël Monfils will inevitably go up a notch. He who has never reached the final four in Melbourne certainly dreams of a semi-final, or even better. His next opponent will be Stefanos Tsitsipas, seeded number 3. A new big challenge for the Frenchman who will be keen to prove that his victory against Fritz was not without a future.
Beyond the ambitions for a final victory that are undoubtedly unrealistic at his age, Monfils will want to have a good run for what could be his final Australian Open. History of continuing the pleasure and treating the public one last time on these courts where he has built one of the finest records in French tennis. After his exploit against Fritz, everything seems possible for the Monf’ version 2025!
