Gael Monfils equals the record for withdrawals and abandonments in professional tennis.

Gaël Monfils proved age is just a number with a sensational start to the 2025 tennis season, captivating fans at the Australian Open. At 38, the French veteran defied expectations by reaching the quarter-finals at Melbourne Park, including a surprising victory over world number 4 Taylor Fritz, displaying a tactical mastery that reminded everyone why he remains a spectator favorite .

In doing so, Monfils joined an inner circle alongside Roger Federer, becoming one of the few players to reach the second week of the Australian Open after passing the 38-year mark. However, his run in the tournament came to a bitter end against rising American star, Ben Shelton.

Monfils retires after three tiebreaks and a battle with Shelton

The meeting between Monfils and Shelton was nothing short of a marathon. The first three sets were fought by very close margins in tiebreaks, with Shelton taking the lead two sets to one. Monfils, clearly battling fatigue and physical exertion, fought valiantly but struggled when cramps began to be felt at the start of the fourth set.

After conceding an early break and realizing he could no longer compete at his usual level, Monfils made the difficult decision to bow out, departing gracefully after more than three hours of gripping tennis.

Although the match did not result in a victory, Monfils’ remarkable run at the Australian Open will be remembered as one of the tournament’s highlights. His performances not only revealed his enduring skills and charisma, but also highlighted his ability to compete against the sport’s rising stars.

Monfils’ decision to bow out in the quarterfinals added an unexpected statistic to his already impressive career. The Frenchman now shares the Open era record for number of takedowns and walkovers in professional tennis with Tommy Haas, with a total of 33. Despite this uniqueness, Monfils’ passion and playing style continues to overshadow this kind of anecdotes in his heritage.

Monfils on the evolution of tennis: “It’s faster and more physical”

Before his match against Shelton, Monfils reflected on how the sport has evolved over his two-decade career.

“I feel like the game is a little faster now, for sure,” Monfils said. “Technology has evolved a lot. Every player now has professional equipment. Physically, it’s different. I think in 20 years it will be even faster or more physical.”

He also highlighted the role of technological advances: “Rackets, strings, balls — everything is changing. I’m just trying to stay up to date with this development.”

A promising future for the twilight years of Monfils

Monfils’ energetic performances in Melbourne demonstrate that his career is far from over. With his unparalleled athleticism and charismatic personality, the Frenchman has proven that he still has a lot to offer on the court. Fans can look forward to more magical moments as he continues to expand his career, defying both age and expectations.