Incredible performance from Gaël Monfils at the Australian Open! At 38, he scored one of the greatest victories of his career by eliminating world No. 4 Taylor Fritz. Discover the highlights of this feat…
It was a transfigured Gaël Monfils who took to the court at the Rod Laver Arena this Saturday in Melbourne. At 38, the Frenchman signed one of the greatest feats of his long career by eliminating the American Taylor Fritz, 4th player in the world, in the round of 16 of the Australian Open. A success in 4 sets (3-6, 7-5, 7-6, 6-4) acquired at the end of an epic, high-level match.
A Monfils of great days
From the start of the match, Gaël Monfils displayed a conquering and determined face. Despite losing the first set, the Parisian didn’t give up, dominating the baseline rallies with authority. His serve was a lethal weapon, allowing him to hold on and break at the best moment to get back to a set everywhere.
A legendary tie-break
The turning point of the match took place in the tie-break of the 3rd set. With his back to the wall, trailing 6 points to 1, Monfils pulled out all the stops, stringing together winning shots and brilliant passing shots. A set that he ended up winning 7 points to 1 in an anthology tie-break, pushed by an audience committed to his cause.
It was a very big match that I achieved today. I’m super happy with the way I played.
Gaël Monfils
Experience has spoken
In the fourth set, buoyed by confidence, Gaël Monfils showcased his immense high-level experience. More solid in the important moments, he cracked Taylor Fritz at 4-4, before concluding with his serve in stride. The celebration that followed, mixing tears and dancing with joy, will remain one of the strong images of the start of the tournament.
-At 38, Gaël Monfils, former 6th in the world now 59th, becomes the second oldest player to reach the quarter-finals of the Australian Open in the Open era, behind a certain Roger Federer. He will face American revelation Ben Shelton in the quarter-finals in a duel that promises to be explosive!
The der of the der for the Monf’?
If Gaël Monfils has proven that he still has good leftovers, it is difficult to imagine him going all the way in this Grand Slam tournament. But the Frenchman is not looking that far ahead, having thought about retiring last year. For now, he is enjoying it and will give everything to intensely experience what will perhaps be his last Australian Open.
Win the Australian Open? No, I don’t even dream of it. My dream is to grow old with many children and in good health.
Gaël Monfils
Whatever happens, Gaël Monfils will have left his mark on the start of the 2025 Australian Open. Through his flamboyant play, his grin and his crazy desire to have fun on the courts, like on the first day. A sample of the best Monfils, for what looks more and more like a farewell tour. So let’s enjoy every match, every point, while the magic still happens!
