Gael Monfils rolled back the years with his fantastic performance, displacing fourth seed Taylor Fritz and advancing to the fourth round of the Australian Open.
The 38-year-old Frenchman, known as a showman on the court, amazed the audience with a 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7-1), 6-4 victory over his 27-year-old opponent.
After serving an ace to clinch the win – his 24th of the match – Monfils danced in celebration before puffing his chest and roaring to every stand at Margaret Court Arena.
It continues Monfils’ solid form as he 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 runner-up Fritz means Monfils is the second-oldest man since 1988 to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open.
The oldest is Roger Federer, who reached the semi-finals at Melbourne Park in 2020 at the age of 38 years and five months.
“I have a strong belief that I can still do damage,” Monfils said.
“He started strong, but I felt like I could move great today.”
Monfils’ victory came before his wife Elina Svitolina’s third-round draw with Jasmine Paolini on the same court.
“I think I warmed up the court for her,” Monfils joked to the crowd.
“She’s playing against the number four in the world, so it will be difficult for her, but I hope she blows the match.”
On Monday, Monfils will face 21st-seeded American Ben Shelton or 16th-seeded Italian Lorenzo Musetti in the fourth round.
