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 rallied from a set down to claim a thrilling 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (1), 6-4 win over American Taylor Fritz in a third-round match at the Australian Open.
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.
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.
At the same time, it is worth noting that – with this retirement – Monfils has become the player with the most retirements and walkovers in Open Era together with German Tommy Haas. Both are 33, ahead of Nikolay Davydenko and Philipp Kohlschreiber in this particular ranking.
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.
Monfils was struggling with a back injury at the start of the fourth set as Ben Shelton advanced to the quarter-finals
Gael Monfils, at 38, joins Roger Federer as the only older players to reach the Australian Open's fourth round in the expanded era. Monfils overcame Taylor Fritz with a stunning performance, showcasing his resilience and skill.
Gael Monfils is into the Australian Open fourth round at the ripe old age of 38 - making him the second oldest player ever to do so.
Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils, tennis's power couple, each secured upset wins over fourth-seeded opponents at the Australian Open.
At the Australian Open, Gael Monfils advanced to the round of 16 by defeating fourth seed Taylor Fritz. In a major upset, the 38-year-old Frenchman cl
Gael Monfils stunned fourth seed Taylor Fritz on Saturday to become the second-oldest man ever to make the last 16 at Melbourne Park.