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“I think I warmed up the court for her,” he joked.
A dream beyond tennis
Despite his incredible performance, Monfils remains humble. When asked if he dreams of winning the title, he replied with humility:
“My dream is to be old, with many children, and in good health. »
For now, Monfils is living a different kind of dream: defying expectations, delighting fans and proving that tennis can be a timeless art.
“It sucks to go out in the third round,” Fritz said. “But I’m not going to lose too much sleep over it.” It was just a really good match from him. »
A family affair
Monfils’ wife, Elina Svitolina, was also scheduled to compete on the same court later in the day, a fact that did not escape his humor.
“I think I warmed up the court for her,” he joked.
A dream beyond tennis
Despite his incredible performance, Monfils remains humble. When asked if he dreams of winning the title, he replied with humility:
“My dream is to be old, with many children, and in good health. »
For now, Monfils is living a different kind of dream: defying expectations, delighting fans and proving that tennis can be a timeless art.
“It seemed almost too easy for him to hurt me while I was struggling to hurt him,” Fritz admitted. “It’s just a really good game from him. »
A record French flair
With his victory, Monfils became the second oldest man to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open since 1988, a feat surpassed only by Roger Federer in 2020. He also tied Jo-Wilfried Tsonga for the greatest number of singles victories (37) by a Frenchman at Melbourne Park.
Monfils’ success is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. “I want to be myself,” he said of his celebratory dance. “It was my way of expressing my joy. »
What’s next?
Monfils will face the winner of the match between Ben Shelton and Lorenzo Musetti as he pursues a third quarter-final at the Australian Open. With his current form and his brilliant tactical sense, he is an outsider to continue his remarkable run.
For Fritz, the defeat was a harsh reality check, but he recognized Monfils’ talent.
“It sucks to go out in the third round,” Fritz said. “But I’m not going to lose too much sleep over it.” It was just a really good match from him. »
A family affair
Monfils’ wife, Elina Svitolina, was also scheduled to compete on the same court later in the day, a fact that did not escape his humor.
“I think I warmed up the court for her,” he joked.
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A dream beyond tennis
Despite his incredible performance, Monfils remains humble. When asked if he dreams of winning the title, he replied with humility:
“My dream is to be old, with many children, and in good health. »
For now, Monfils is living a different kind of dream: defying expectations, delighting fans and proving that tennis can be a timeless art.
At 38, Gael Monfils delivered a masterclass in tennis art to beat fourth seed Taylor Fritz in a thrilling 3-6, 7-5, 7-6(1), 6-4 victory, dancing his way to the round of 16 at the Australian Open and proving that age is just a number.
A timeless performance
Monfils, on an eight-match winning streak after becoming the oldest winner of an ATP title with his victory in Auckland, continued his golden start to 2025 with a courageous performance against Fritz on the Margaret Court Arena. Known for his athleticism and showmanship, Monfils came back from a set to dismantle Fritz’s powerful game with a combination of relentless defense and trick shots.
“I think I’m the best athlete at 38 on the tour,” Monfils joked with a smile after the match. “I felt great today. The game plan was to change the tempo, hold my lines, and I think I got the job done. »
Fritz outclassed and outwitted
Fritz, a US Open finalist and quarter-finalist in Melbourne last year, started strong by winning the first set 6-3. But Monfils quickly adjusted his game, keeping errors to a minimum and using his trademark variety to neutralize the American’s power.
The turning point came in the third set tiebreak, where Monfils took a 6-0 lead with a series of winners before finishing with a blistering forehand. From there, Monfils maintained control, sealing the victory with an ace to the “T.”
“It seemed almost too easy for him to hurt me while I was struggling to hurt him,” Fritz admitted. “It’s just a really good game from him. »
A record French flair
With his victory, Monfils became the second oldest man to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open since 1988, a feat surpassed only by Roger Federer in 2020. He also tied Jo-Wilfried Tsonga for the greatest number of singles victories (37) by a Frenchman at Melbourne Park.
Monfils’ success is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. “I want to be myself,” he said of his celebratory dance. “It was my way of expressing my joy. »
What’s next?
Monfils will face the winner of the match between Ben Shelton and Lorenzo Musetti as he pursues a third quarter-final at the Australian Open. With his current form and his brilliant tactical sense, he is an outsider to continue his remarkable run.
For Fritz, the defeat was a harsh reality check, but he recognized Monfils’ talent.
“It sucks to go out in the third round,” Fritz said. “But I’m not going to lose too much sleep over it.” It was just a really good match from him. »
A family affair
Monfils’ wife, Elina Svitolina, was also scheduled to compete on the same court later in the day, a fact that did not escape his humor.
“I think I warmed up the court for her,” he joked.
A dream beyond tennis
Despite his incredible performance, Monfils remains humble. When asked if he dreams of winning the title, he replied with humility:
“My dream is to be old, with many children, and in good health. »
For now, Monfils is living a different kind of dream: defying expectations, delighting fans and proving that tennis can be a timeless art.
