(Video) Gael Monfils showcases unique match-winning celebration after reaching the Australian Open fourth round
Gael Monfils will be up against either Ben Shelton or Lorenzo Musetti in the fourth round of the Australian Open.
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Gael Monfils (via screengrab/X)
Gael Monfils celebrated an incredible victory over Taylor Fritz in the third round of the 2024 Australian Open with a unique dance. The match took place on Saturday, January 18, at Margaret Court Arena. Monfils defeated the American in a thrilling four-set match, winning 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7-1), 6-4. After his win, he showed his joy with an energetic dance before shaking hands with Fritz.
At 38 years old, Monfils made history with this victory. He became the oldest player to beat a top-5 opponent at the Australian Open since the ATP rankings began. His performance on the court left the crowd in awe as he secured his place in the fourth round of the tournament.
Monfils is now the second player, after Roger Federer, to reach the Australian Open fourth round at 38 or older since the tournament expanded in 1988. After the match, the former French Open semifinalist praised Fritz’s game and shared his strategy. He said his goal was to mix up the pace and act like a moving wall to disrupt the US Open finalist’s rhythm.
Let the rhythm take you, @Gael_Monfils.#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/7MddKHRPVW
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2025
In the next round, Monfils will face either Ben Shelton or Lorenzo Musetti. The Frenchman will aim to extend his winning streak to nine matches.
Gael Monfils makes history at the Australian Open
French tennis star Gael Monfils had another great moment in his 22nd season on Tour with an impressive win over Taylor Fritz at the Australian Open. This victory added to his strong start to the year.
Last week, Monfils became the oldest player in nearly 50 years to win an ATP title after his triumph in Auckland. Against Fritz, he hit 24 aces and extended his winning streak to eight matches. Monfils has also climbed nine places to No. 32 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings during this tournament.
With this being his 37th Australian Open win, Monfils tied Jo-Wilfried Tsonga for the most wins by a Frenchman at the tournament. Earlier in the week, the veteran had survived a five-set match against fellow French player Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the first round.
Despite Fritz’s loss, he will stay at No. 4 in the rankings unless Alex de Minaur wins the Australian Open. Monfils, however, made history as the third-oldest player to defeat a top-five opponent at a Grand Slam after Ken Rosewall’s feats in 1974. The Frenchman’s previous top-five Grand Slam win was against David Ferrer in the 2008 Roland Garros quarterfinals.
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Fahad Hamid
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