Australian Open 2025: Gael Monfils stuns fourth seed Taylor Fritz

NEW DELHI: At the Australian Open, Gael Monfils declared he was prepared to "do some damage" after defeating fourth seed Taylor Fritz on Saturday to advance to the round of 16.

In his 19th Australian Open, the 38-year-old Frenchman rallied to beat 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7/1), 6-4 to get to the fourth round for the sixth time.

After Roger Federer, he is the second-oldest man to make it to the round of 16 at Melbourne Park.

Prior to meeting Monfils, Fritz had been playing brilliantly, dropping just eight games in his two prior encounters.

However, the unseeded Frenchman was a different animal, relentlessly wearing down the world number four with his booming serve and accurate groundstrokes.

Prior to the competition, Monfils, ranked 41, sent a warning when he became the oldest singles champion in ATP Tour history by winning the Auckland Classic.

"The strategy was to hold the baseline and definitely change the tempo. Hit some big shots down the line and used some shape with my forehand, some slice with my backhand and served well," he said.

"I have a strong belief in myself, a strong belief I can still do some damage and with a little bit of luck we are in the second week of the Australian Open."

Throughout his lengthy career, Monfils has never advanced past the major semifinals.

With two strong baseline rallies, one reaching 29 shots and another reaching 24, the two went toe-to-toe at the beginning.

Fritz was given a break for 5-3 by a double fault from Monfils, and the American held service to win the opening set.

With two strong baseline rallies, one reaching 29 shots and another reaching 24, the two went toe-to-toe at the beginning.

Fritz was given a break for 5-3 by a double fault from Monfils, and the American held service to win the opening set.

Fritz survived two break points to stay on serve at 3-3 after requiring a medical timeout at the changeover to address his right foot.

The Frenchman dominated a progressively irate Fritz in the third set, which ended in a tiebreak. With a string of explosive strokes, he won the set 6-0.

After saving two break points and persevering through an 18-point fourth game in the fourth set, Monfils jumped on the Fritz serve to break for a 5-4 lead before pulling off the shock.