By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty
The Yarra River isn’t exactly a fountain of youth.
However 38-year-old Gael Monfils continues his lifelong tennis streak.
Days after becoming the oldest man to win a tour-level title since 1977 with his run to the Auckland crown, Monfils was busy turning back the clock in Melbourne.
Monfils was sent Daniel Altmaier 7-5, 6-3, 7-6(3) to make history as the fourth player aged 38 and over to reach the third round of the Australian Open since the tournament adopted the full draw of 128 singles players in 1988 .
Monfils joined dr. Ivo Karlovic (2018), Roger Federer (2020) and Feliciano Lopez (2021) in the elite group of honored veterans.
Handling the deciding points with confidence, Monfils played high-percentage points, firing 37 winners against 26 unforced errors to reach the third round for the 12th time—20 years after he beat American Robbie Ginepri in his debut at tour in 2005.
Afterwards, Monfils shared the greatest gift the game has given him.
Everything.
“As I always say from day one, for me the most important thing is health,” Monfils told the media in Melbourne. “It’s just a part of my life, it’s very beautiful, beautiful.
“Tennis gives me everything, I know, I can even imagine, so I’m already blessed. The rest is a bonus.”
Although Monfils has said in the past that he still dreams of making a major final, these days he is content with what he has achieved in his long career.
“I can finish now. I think I’ve done what I want in a way,” Monfils said. “If I do more, it’s a bonus. I’m happy.”
Going another round in Melbourne will be a big ask.
Next up for Monfils is the US Open finalist Taylor Fritz.
Fourth-seeded Fritz was crushed Cristian Garin allowing just three runs in an 82-minute victory.
Monfils improved to 8-1 in 2025 and said he intends to continue riding that winning streak.
“(I) try to be consistent. You know, try to stay healthy as much as I can,” Monfils said. “The end of last year I was playing really good tennis, I felt good, I felt a little short because I got sick. Then I have a break and enjoy my daughter. Then I could do a little work.
“I’ve been lucky at the beginning of the season. I felt good in my body. I felt like I was hitting well. I’m just surfing at the moment.”
