Australian Open Day 3: Monfils Epic Five-Set Opening Round Triumph in Review
Gael Monfils roars after earning a hard-fought five sets win in nearly four hours over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (not pictured). January 14, 2025. Photo credit: Australian Open.

In his 65th Grand Slam appearance, his 19th at the Australian Open, Frenchman Gael Monfils produces a statement five-set win over No. 30 seed Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard to reach the second round in Melbourne.

An all-French duel stole the spotlight on the third day of action at the Australian Open when world No. 41 Gael Monfils took the court to play big server No. 30 seed Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard for the first time.

Nearly after four hours in the heavy sun at Court 3, the resilient 38-year-old notched a brutal 7-6(7), 6-3, 6-7(8), 6-7(5), 6-4 win to kick off his campaign at the major off the back of achieving his 13th career title on tour in Auckland last weekend.

As the first set wore on, it became clear that this was one of those contests best described as an endurance test, a marathon match between two players representing opposite generations.

I’m crazy happy,” the Frenchman outlined. “I have another chance to come out and play in a packed stadium.”

The high level delivered from both sides of the net also showcased the game styles that separate them despite the huge power behind their serves.

A tight opener went with serves but quickly turned into a vibrant tiebreak battle that brought the crowd to the edge of their seats, all at a fast-paced rhythm.

The Parisian native found himself 2-5 down, but capitalizing on his experience, he went the extra mile, setting level at 6-6.

The close tiebreak saw the first grueling rallies between the players, followed by quick exchanges; a blockbuster was unraveling for the world to watch.

Ultimately, his precision at the net, earning 5 of 6 net approaches, and powerful groundstrokes helped him win pivotal points from his forehand side. Holding his ground, he pocketed the first set tiebreak 8-6.

When play resumed, the 13-time ATP titlist made a fast start to the second set, displaying a combination of depth and power that took the best out of the 21-year-old.

Neutralized by his rival, the aggressive player committed costly mistakes, resulting in a 0-2 deficit.

Then, Mpetshi Perricard, who comes from an impressive breakthrough season in which he surprised the tennis world with his blistering first and second serves, over 200 km/h on average, as his overall playing style, began his uphill run.

The Lyon-born made the former world number six run for his money, testing him physically; after earning the third and fourth sets in dramatic tiebreaks, the young star forced a decider.

However, Monfils, who didn’t face a break point all match, found a way to raise his level, hitting groundstrokes with great intensity to add pressure over the two-time tour-level winner.

Moreover, he delivered his best tennis with brilliance, making the difference in the extended rallies to seal the set 6-4 and the match.

Overall, the veteran player won 84 percent of the points on his first serve compared to his opponent’s 74 percent.

In addition, he hit 68 winners and 34 unforced errors to Mpetshi Perricard’s 69 and 61, respectively.

Next, he will face German Daniel Altmaier, who rallied to defeat Argentine Francisco Comesana in a rollercoaster five sets matchup after three hours and 22 minutes.

Monfils leads the world No. 101 in their series 1-0; the lone time they played was in 2023 in Vienna on an indoor hardcourt surface.

I don’t look up my age,” he commented after a tough first-rounder test.

It is just a number. Then I try to avoid thinking about it, but I can tell you that tomorrow morning, I will be more 48 than 38.”

Cecilia demartini
Sports Pundit staff writer @ceci_2812
Cecilia is a writer and journalist, passionate about motorsport and tennis.Her articles are published in newspapers and international online publications.

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