Australian Open 2025 results: Gael Monfils goes back years to defeat Taylor Fritz

Gael Monfils defied the years with a spectacular 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 the court, thrilled the crowd with a 3-6 7-5 7-6 (7-1) 6-4 win over his 27-year-old opponent.

After hitting an ace to see out victory – his 24th of the match – Monfils danced in celebration before puffing out his chest and roaring on every stand inside Margaret Court Arena.

It continues a fine 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 win over US Open runner-up Fritz means Monfils is the second-oldest man to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open since 1988.

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’m pretty confident I can still do some damage,” Monfils said.

“He started strong but I thought I could do well today.”

Monfils’ victory came before his wife Elina Svitolina’s third-round match against Jasmine Paolini on the same court.

Monfils joked to the crowd, “I think I warmed up the court for him.”

“She plays as the world number four so it will be tough for her but I hope she can overcome it.”

Monfils will play American 21st seed Ben Shelton or Italian 16th seed Lorenzo Musetti in the fourth round on Monday.