Gael Monfils has been around for a very long time, as the first final he played was in Sopot in 2005. The most recent final he played was in Auckland in 2024, almost two decades later.

Monfils was struggling with a back injury at the start of the fourth set as Ben Shelton advanced to the quarter-finals

After his historic win, Monfils returned to Margaret Court Arena and sat in the stands to watch his wife, Svitolina, eliminate the women's No. 4 seed, two-time major finalist Jasmine Paolini 2-6, 6-4, 6-0 at night.

Gael Monfils, at 38, captured the ATP title in Auckland, becoming the oldest winner before retiring from the Australian Open due to injury. Despite impressive performances, his long matches took a toll.

French veteran Gaël Monfils rolled back the years to stun the USA’s No. 4 seed Taylor Fritz in the third round of the Australian Open on Saturday, winning 3-6 7-5 7-6(1) 6-4 after three hours and eight minutes of scintillating tennis.

How else can you explain the way Gael Monfils, a 38-year old, beloved and battle-scarred veteran, has powered his way into the history books and, in recent weeks, outdueled both seasoned veterans and promising youngsters nearly half his age?

Veteran Gael Monfils has rolled back the years in recent weeks with a string of incredible performances, but the Frenchman said he had exceeded his limit after retiring hurt from his fourth-round Australian Open match against Ben Shelton on Monday.

Shelton entered the tournament after losing his first match of the 2025 season at the ASB Classic in Auckland. The 22-year-old started his campaign in Melbourne after beating compatriot Brandon Nakashima 7-6 (3), 7-5, 7-5. He followed this up with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-7 (4), 6-4 win to set up a third-round clash with 16th seed Lorenzo Musetti.

Gael Monfils (R) hugs Taylor Fritz after the men s singles 3rd round match between Taylor Fritz of the United States and Gael Monfils of France at Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 18, 2025. / IMAGO / Xinhua

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Gael Monfils joined Roger Federer as the only men to reach ... He started his season with a title at a hard-court event in Auckland, New Zealand, which made him the oldest man to win a tournament since at least 1990.

Prediction for the ATP Australian Open match between Gael Monfils vs Ben Shelton, which will take place on January 20th. Who will turn out to be stronger? Check the teams' conditions! Several betting options are available.

Monfils upset fourth-seeded Taylor Fritz of the United States 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (1), 6-4 in the third round at Melbourne, Australia. When Monfils made his Australian Open debut in 2005, Fritz, now 27 years old, was 7.