At 38 years old, Gael Monfils is proving that his career at the highest level is not over yet. The French veteran is impressing everyone in these first weeks of the new season and has no intention of stopping there.
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'La Monf' reached the round of 16 at the 2025 Australian Open, achieving a great feat against world number 4 Taylor Fritz in the third round. The American ace was playing the best tennis of his career and had important ambitions in the Happy Slam, but his certainties were unhinged by Gael's tactical sagacity.
The French player put in an almost perfect performance from all points of view and his tactics worked perfectly against a very powerful rival from the baseline. Monfils' strategy was very clear: he changed pace as much as possible during rallies and tried to bring Fritz closer to the net whenever he had the chance.
Despite winning the first set, the 2024 US Open finalist was never in control of the match, and his frustration increased as the minutes passed. Gael never trembled and returned to defeat a Top 5 in a Grand Slam tournament almost 14 years after the last time.
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Monfils is shining
'La Monf' who is unbeaten in eight consecutive matches revealed some secrets behind his victory over Fritz at Melbourne Park: The game plan was to hold the baseline and change the time, hit some big shots down the line and also use some shape. I did the job.
We work hard and I try to be very disciplined with the recovery. Im a strong believer that I can still do some damage and I have a lot of trust in my team.
The French veteran will also play his chances in the next round against another American ace, Ben Shelton.
The latter has a style quite similar to that of Fritz and will not have to fall into the same trap as his compatriot.
Gael has already done his best in this tournament and will be able to enter the court without huge pressure.
