In a stunning upset at the Australian Open, 38-year-old French veteran Gael Monfils rolled back the years to knock out fourth-seeded American Taylor Fritz in an epic four-set clash on Saturday. Monfils displayed incredible resilience and court craft to rally from a set down and prevail 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (1), 6-4 in the afternoon sun at Margaret Court Arena.
Monfils Defies Age and Ranking
Ranked 51 places below Fritz, Monfils was given little chance ahead of this third round encounter. But the elastic Frenchman, renowned for his showmanship and athleticism, proved that he still has plenty left in the tank. He soaked up Fritz’s powerful groundstrokes with stonewall defense, counterpunching brilliantly and chipping away at the American’s resolve.
Age is just a number. I feel great, I’m playing great. When I’m healthy, I can beat anyone.
– Gael Monfils
Monfils needed all his tennis IQ and experience to dismantle the big-serving Fritz. He mixed up the pace beautifully, using slices, drop shots and lobs to keep the 25-year-old off balance. The Parisian’s movement was vintage Monfils, sliding into splits and diving for volleys as the crowd gasped in awe.
Fritz Fades After Strong Start
It all started so well for Fritz, the highest-ranked American man. He overpowered Monfils in the opening set with his heavy forehand and looked in total control. But as the match wore on in the Melbourne heat, Fritz began to wilt. His unforced error count climbed and he grew increasingly frustrated as Monfils’ trick shots found their mark.
- First set to Fritz: The American dominates with power and depth
- Monfils fights back: The Frenchman mixes it up and breaks late in set 2
- Titanic tiebreak: Monfils elevates in the pivotal breaker, reeling off 7 straight points
- Monfils closes it out: He seals the upset with a signature leaping smash
The turning point came in the third set tiebreak. Monfils caught fire, reeling off seven unanswered points with a dazzling display of shotmaking and defense. A deflated Fritz never recovered, capitulating meekly in the fourth as Monfils booked a spot in the second week.
Monfils Delights Crowd Once More
As has so often been the case in his colorful career, Monfils left the crowd wanting more. He shimmied and jigged across the court after completion of the 3 hour, 24 minute victory, lapping up the adulation from the adoring Australian fans.
I feel the love from you guys. It lifts me up and makes me play my best tennis. I hope the journey continues.
– Gael Monfils to the crowd
Monfils moves on to a fourth round meeting with either American Ben Shelton or Italian Lorenzo Musetti. Based on this sparkling form, few would bet against the age-defying Frenchman going even deeper in the draw. “La Monf” is once again delighting fans in Melbourne, 18 years after his memorable run to the semis as an 18-year-old. Tennis is all the richer for it.
