Australian Open 2025
Dates: January 12-26 Place: Melbourne Park
Blanket: Live radio commentary on Tennis Breakfast from 07:00 GMT on BBC 5 Sports Extra, as well as live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app.
Gaël Monfils rolled back the years with a fabulous performance to oust fourth seed Taylor Fritz and reach the fourth round of the Australian Open.
The 38-year-old Frenchman, known as a showman on court, thrilled the crowd in a 3-6 7-5 7-6 (7-1) 6-4 victory over his 27-year-old opponent.
After serving an ace to claim victory – his 24th of the match – Monfils danced in celebration before puffing out his chest and roaring into every stand at Margaret Court Arena.
It continues a rich vein of form for Monfils, who became the oldest winner of an ATP Tour singles title with victory at the ASB Classic in Auckland. earlier this month.
The victory over US Open finalist Fritz means Monfils is the second oldest man since 1988 to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open.
Roger Federer is the oldest, having reached the semi-finals at Melbourne Park in 2020 at the age of 38 years and five months.
“I firmly believe that I can still do damage,” Monfils said.
“He started strong but I felt like I could move well today.”
Monfils’ victory came before his wife Elina Svitolina’s third-round tie against Jasmine Paolini on the same court.
“I think I warmed up the field for her,” Monfils joked to the crowd.
“She plays world number four so it will be tough for her but I hope she crushes this one.”
Monfils will face either 21st-seeded American Ben Shelton or 16th-seeded Italian Lorenzo Musetti in the fourth round on Monday.
