Monfils was struggling with a back injury at the start of the fourth set as Ben Shelton advanced to the quarter-finals
Gael Monfils, Australian Open and Taylor Fritz
On the same day, his wife Elina Svitolina beat WTA world No. 4 Jasmine Paolini 2-6 6-4 6-0 to progress into the round-of-16 at Melbourne Park. For years, the French tennis star spoke about his big desire to win at least one Grand Slam before retiring.
French veteran Gaël Monfils rolled back the years to stun the USA’s No. 4 seed Taylor Fritz in the third round of the Australian Open on Saturday, winning 3-6 7-5 7-6(1) 6-4 after three hours and eight minutes of scintillating tennis.
Gael Monfils joined Roger Federer as the only men to reach the Australian Open's fourth round at age 38 or older since the tournament field expanded to 128 players in 1988, coming back to beat No. 4 seed Taylor Fritz 3-6,
After his historic win, Monfils returned to Margaret Court Arena and sat in the stands to watch his wife, Svitolina, eliminate the women's No. 4 seed, two-time major finalist Jasmine Paolini 2-6, 6-4, 6-0 at night.
Frenchman Monfils is only the second player aged 38 or over, after Roger Federer, to make the last 16 in Melbourne since 1988. He is enjoying quite the start to 2025 after becoming the oldest ever winner of an ATP Tour singles title in Auckland last weekend.
Gael Monfils (No. 41 in the world) faces Taylor Fritz (No. 4) in the Round of 32 at the Australian Open.Fritz earned a three-set win over Cristian Garin (6-2, 6-1, 6-0) in the Round of
Gael Monfils has joined Roger Federer as the only men to reach the Australian Open’s fourth round at age 38 or older since the tournament field expanded to 128 players in 1988.
Gael Monfils has often been blamed for not taking full advantage of his talent during his career. Indeed, the French veteran could have achieved more prestigious results although he played in the same era as legends such as Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
There are few players in men’s tennis as thrilling to watch than France’s Gael Monfils. On Saturday in Australia, and late Friday night for those watching stateside, Monfils put on an absolute masterpiece of a performance against No.
Recap, highlights, and quotes from Gael Monfils' win over Taylor Fritz in the third round of the Australian Open.