The 38-year-old Gael Monfils has been on a roll in 2025! The veteran claimed the title in Auckland and gained a boost ahead of the Australian Open. Gael took down three rivals in Melbourne and reached the last 16 for the sixth time.
The quarter-finalist from 2016 and 2022 faced world no. 4 Taylor Fritz at Margaret Court Arena. Gael ousted Taylor 3-6, 7-5, 7-6, 6-4 in three hours and eight minutes. Thus, Monfils became the second-oldest player with a top-4 win at Majors since Ken Rosewall in 1974!
Gael will compete in the last 16 at Majors for the 21st time and the first in three years. The Frenchman stayed calm after the opening set, taking the pivotal points in the next three and delivering a notable victory that extended his winning streak.
🤯@Gael_Monfils electrifies MCA and #AO2025, eliminating no.4 seed Taylor Fritz.@wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/atTcDY8tBQ
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2025
The veteran fired 24 aces and outplayed one of the best servers on the Tour. Monfils played well behind the first and second serve and defended three of four break points. Gael stopped the clock and fired 58 winners and 34 unforced errors!
Taylor did not play badly, but he could not take the crucial points. The American landed 44 winners and 36 unforced errors while defending four of six break points. However, he got broken in the closing stages of the fourth set, which cost him dearly.
Gael Monfils, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
Monfils outplayed Fritz in the shortest and most advanced rallies. He produced a high-quality tennis and arranged the clash against Ben Shelton. The Frenchman denied a break point in the fourth game of the encounter with a service winner.
Taylor wasted multiple game points in the fifth game and experienced a break point. He saved it with a forehand down the line winner and held for 3-2. The American stepped in on the return in the eighth game and secured a break that sent him in front.
World no. 4 served for the opener at 5-3 and welcomed the rival’s slice error for 6-3 in 37 minutes. Both players served well in the opening 11 games of the second set. Taylor closed the tenth game with a backhand winner and extended the battle.
Gael Monfils & Taylor Fritz, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
The veteran claimed the 11th game with a powerful serve and made a push on the return in the next one. Fritz missed a routine forehand and faced three set points. He netted a forehand on the first, allowing Monfils to level the overall score after an hour and 21 minutes.
The third set provided 11 comfortable holds. Taylor faced two break points in the sixth game and denied them to remain in touch. World no. 4 held at love in the 12th game and introduced a tie break. The veteran took charge on serve and return!
Gael claimed the opening point with a lob winner and claimed two return points for a 3-0 advantage. Monfils landed an ace in the fifth point and extended the advantage. The Frenchman attacked in the sixth point and generated six set points.
Gael Monfils, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
He converted the second with a forehand down the line winner, moving two sets to one in front after two hours and 17 minutes. The veteran faced a test in the fourth game of the fourth set. Gael denied them and held for 2-2.
They served well in the next four games and locked the result at 4-4. Monfils stepped in on the return in game nine and drew the rival’s mistake for two break points. Gael seized the second after a superb defense, drawing Taylor’s error and moving 5-4 in front.
Monfils produced a fine hold in the tenth game, firing an ace and moving into the fourth round.
Tennis World USA