Gael Monfils, the 38-year-old French tennis icon, displayed his trademark resilience and aptitude in a dramatic five-set victory over 21-year-old compatriot Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard within the first spherical of the Australian Open on Tuesday. Regardless of being considerably older than his opponent, Monfils demonstrated that have and endurance nonetheless have a spot in as we speak’s fast-paced sport.
Gael Monfils, left, of France is congratulated by compatriot Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard following their first spherical match on the Australian Open(AP)
The match, which lasted a gripping 3 hours and 46 minutes, noticed Monfils declare a 7-6 (9/7), 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 6-7 (5/7), 6-4 win. Monfils had the prospect to wrap up the competition in straight units however squandered match factors within the third, permitting Mpetshi Perricard to stage a spirited comeback. Nonetheless, the seasoned veteran stored his cool to finally shut out the match, incomes a spot within the second spherical.
Monfils, who had simply made historical past by changing into the oldest participant to win an ATP Tour title on the Auckland Traditional, was “crazy happy” along with his efficiency. “Honestly, I never really think about it,” Monfils mentioned of his age. “I know I’m aged a little bit, but I try my best. I know this week I can sometimes have double the age of the guy (he’s playing). I have, I think, 21 years of career, and he’s 21 years old, Giovanni. Of course numbers are there, but I’m fighting, so I try not to put any number in my head.”
The match was a battle of contrasting types, with Monfils counting on his huge expertise whereas Mpetshi Perricard showcased his youthful energy, together with among the finest second serves within the sport. Monfils transformed two of 12 break factors and didn’t face a single break level on his personal serve, however he additionally struggled with 18 double faults, together with an important one when serving for the match within the third set.
Mpetshi Perricard, who had a breakout 2024 season, was impressed by Monfils’ physicality, saying, “Sometimes on the bench I say to myself, ‘He is not 38. Physically I don’t think he’s 38, but yeah, I mean, I’ll have to be better on some part to win this kind of match. I’m still young. I still can learn.’”
Monfils will subsequent face Germany’s Daniel Altmaier within the second spherical. His win marks his seventeenth look at Melbourne Park in that stage.
In different first-round motion, Daniil Medvedev, Holger Rune, and Emma Navarro superior after their very own thrilling encounters, whereas prime seeds like Elena Rybakina and Daria Kasatkina had simpler paths to victory.