‘I’ve 21 years of expertise and he’s 21′: Gael Monfils after Australian Open epic vs Frenchman practically half his age
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 in the present day’s fast-paced recreation.
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 saved his cool to finally shut out the match, incomes a spot within the second spherical.
Monfils, who had simply made historical past by turning into the oldest participant to win an ATP Tour title on the Auckland Basic, was “loopy blissful” together with his efficiency. “Truthfully, I by no means actually give it some thought,” Monfils mentioned of his age. “I do know I am aged a little bit bit, however I strive my finest. I do know this week I can generally have double the age of the man (he is taking part in). I’ve, I feel, 21 years of profession, and he is 21 years outdated, Giovanni. After all numbers are there, however I am preventing, so I strive to not put any quantity 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 best second serves within the recreation. 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, “Typically on the bench I say to myself, ‘He isn’t 38. Bodily I don’t suppose he’s 38, however yeah, I imply, I’ll should be higher on some half to win this type of match. I’m nonetheless younger. I nonetheless can be taught.’”
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.
