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Photograph: (Twitter)
Tennis legend Gael Monfils continued his blistering start to his 22nd stellar edition on the ATP tours with a stunning 3-6, 7-5, 7-6, 6-4 upset of star player and fourth-seeded Taylor Fritz at the third round of the Australian Open 2025 at Margaret Court Arena in the Melbourne Park on January 18.
The 38-year-old tennis stalwart, who has now become the oldest player in almost 50 years to win an ATP tour in Auckland, New Zealand, during the last week, dropped 24 aces on Fritz to mark his eighth straight win.
Coming to the game dynamics here, American star Fritz made the stunning start and marked the win in the opening set but failed to capitalize on the momentum allowing the Frenchman to win the next three sets to head to the pre-quarters. Monfils produced a near-perfect third-set tiebreak to take advantage and secured the crucial break, winning the point in the game.
Also Read: Australian Open 2025: Elena Rybakina reaches into pre-quarters after battling injury in third round
I’m a strong believer that I can still do some damage: Gael Monfils
The star player is now set to face the winner between Musetti and Ben Shelton in round 16 of the first Grand Slam of the year. After his stunning win in the third round, the Frenchman celebrated at Margaret Court Arena and shared an emotional moment with his opponent, Taylor Fritz. The video of the wild celebration has widely been shared on social media.
Watch the videos here:
Monfils after beating Fritz at Australian Open
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 18, 2025
“Incredibly hot conditions today. How long will you spend in the ice bath?”
Gael: “To be honest, I’ll try 2 minutes maximum. I try to sneak in and out a bit.” 😂
pic.twitter.com/nvYa756iaw
Let the rhythm take you, @Gael_Monfils.#AO2025pic.twitter.com/7MddKHRPVW
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2025
“The game plan was to hold the baseline and change the tempo, hit some big shots down the line and also use some shape. I did the job. We work hard and I try to be very disciplined with the recovery. I’m a strong believer that I can still do some damage and I have big trust in my team,” Monfils said.
Did You Know?
Gael Monfils becomes the 2nd oldest man to reach the Australian Open Round of 16 since 1988.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 18, 2025
1. Roger Federer
2. Gael Monfils
38 years old looks scary good.
La Monf. Is. HIM.
🇫🇷👑 pic.twitter.com/XRwrnx7bx4
Gael Monfils is now the third-oldest player to defeat an opponent in the major tournaments in the history of ATP rankings. Ken Rosewall did it at the age of 39 at Wimbledon and the US Open back in 1974.
Also Read: Australian Open 2025: Lucky loser Eva Lys storms into last 16 after win over Jaqueline Cristian