Gael Monfils rolls back the years to stun Taylor Fritz at Australian Open
The 38-year-old French veteran continued his resurgent form as he defeated a top-five player at a grand slam for the first time since 2008
The future of men’s tennis has been on show at the Australian Open but Gael Monfils struck a major blow for the old guard with victory over fourth seed Taylor Fritz.
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.
Monfils followed that up by defeating US Open finalist Fritz 3-6 7-5 7-6 (1) 6-4, celebrating by dancing on Margaret Court Arena to the delight of the Australian crowd.
It is only the second time Monfils has beaten a top-five opponent at a grand slam, with the first coming way back in 2008.
“It was an unbelievable match,” said Monfils. “I felt like I could move great today and the game plan was to hold my baseline. I’ve done the job.
“I’ve been fortunate but every day is different. We work hard. I try to be very disciplined with the recovery, I have a strong belief in myself and a strong belief that I can still do some damage. Here we are in the second week of the Australian Open.”
Monfils joins 37-year-old Novak Djokovic in the last 16, while, at the other end of the age spectrum, 20-year-old Alex Michelsen reached the fourth round at a slam for the first time.
The American, who defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in the first round, was an impressive 6-3 7-6 (5) 6-2 winner against 19th seed Karen Khachanov.
Michelsen revealed his favourite player to watch growing up was Monfils, who turned professional the year the American was born.
“The guy’s pure athlete,” said Michelsen. “All the feel and circus shots. He was incredible. I still love watching him. I always love watching him. For sure my favourite guy.”
Defending champion Jannik Sinner cruised into the fourth round of the competition with a straight-sets victory over Marcos Giron.
The top seed reached the last 16 after earning a 6-3 6-4 6-2 win in just over two hours, which included eight aces during the match.
"I am very happy to be in the next round. Every match has its own difficulties," Sinner said in his on-court interview after the match.
"Today I felt like he was very solid from the back of the court when he served well. I still have room to improve, but every win is great, especially in these conditions."
Learner Tien became the youngest man since Rafael Nadal to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open.
The 19-year-old qualifier pulled off an upset in the previous round to beat three-time finalist Daniil Medvedev in a late-night clash.
He carried momentum from that match in the third round, earning a 7-6 (10) 6-3 6-3 win over Corentin Moutet and will meet Lorenzo Sonego in the next round.
Alex de Minaur reached the fourth round in Melbourne or the fourth-consecutive year with a 5-7 7-6 (3) 6-3 6-3 victory against Francisco Cerundolo.
The Australian battled from a set down to earn a hard-fought victory over the 31st seed in three hours and 52 minutes.
PA