Monfils Upsets Fritz, Ties Tsonga's Record

Gael Monfils, at 38, pulled off a remarkable victory over fourth-seed Taylor Fritz at the Australian Open, reaching the last 16 for the sixth time in his career. Monfils' win came after a thrilling four-set match, 3-6, 7-5, 7-6(1), 6-4, showcasing his strategic play with a mix of pace and precision to overcome Fritz's powerful game. This victory marks Monfils' continued late-career success, following his historic win in Auckland as the oldest ATP singles champion. Despite Fritz's prior dominance in the tournament, dropping only eight games before facing Monfils, the Frenchman's experience and tactical acumen secured his place in the next round. Monfils now prepares to face either Ben Shelton or Lorenzo Musetti for a chance to advance to the quarterfinals. This triumph also ties him with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga for the most Australian Open wins by a Frenchman.