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Photograph: (Twitter)
Tennis star Gael Monfils has retired from the fourth round of the Australian Open 2025 clash against 22-year-old Ben Shelton due to an injury. The 38-year-old tennis star battled his way through three tiebreaks but had to hand the 22-year-old victory at Margaret Court Arena of Melbourne Park on January 20.
Ben Shelton has progressed to the quarter-finals for the second time in his career. Before the Frenchman leaves the courts, he goes and congratulates Shelton's team, including Ben's father and coach, stealing the limelight with his kind gesture and melting the hearts of the tennis fraternity.
Watch the video here:
Ben Shelton advances to Australian Open QF as Gael Monfils retires due to injury.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 20, 2025
Sad ending to the week for Gael.
But what a legend this guy is.
38 years old and still making magic for every tennis fan.
Grateful he’s still playing tennis. ❤️🥹
pic.twitter.com/rIzNGfK6ci
Monfils failed to make an early impression in the game, suffering a loss in the opening set of the game. However, the Frenchman staged his stunning comeback in the second set and levelled up the game. Shelton showcased his classic form hit some ridiculous shots and won the third set before Monfils retired in the fourth set of the game.
Earlier, Gael Monfils registered a stunning win 3-6, 7-5, 7-6, 6-4 against fourth-seeded Taylor Fritz in the third round of the showpiece event.
Ben Shelton opens up on Gael Monfils after he retired from 4th round
Ben Shelton hyping up the crowd to make sure Gael Monfils receives his flowers 💐
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 20, 2025
You love to see it ❤ pic.twitter.com/IundMqW4ux
Meanwhile, Ben Shelton has shared the kind words and felt proud after sharing the court with Monfils, with whom he has grown up watching since his childhood. The 22-year-old tennis star revealed that it was a great moment for him on the court with the 38-year-old Frenchman.
Ben Shelton had kind words for Gael Monfils after he retired from their match at Australian Open
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 20, 2025
“I’ve watched him since I was a little kid. I always say he has the greatest highlight tape of all time. At 38 years old I’m still walking without crutches. 😂 I hope to be able to… pic.twitter.com/oArMNRqHYC
“I’ve watched him since I was a little kid. I always say he has the greatest highlight tape of all time. At 38 years old I’m still walking without crutches. I hope to be able to create memories like that with my family watching on at that age. It’s really special and unheard of in any sport," Ben Shelton said.