World No 1 and defending champion Jannik Sinner joined 38-year-old veteran Gael Monfils and American teenager Learner Tien within the fourth spherical of the Australian Open on Saturday.
Sinner eased previous American Marcos Giron 6-3 6-4 6-2 for his tenth consecutive win in Melbourne to achieve the last-16 for the fourth consecutive yr.
“I am very happy to be in the next round,” stated Sinner, who takes on Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic or Danish thirteenth seed Holger Rune subsequent.
“Every match has its own difficulties. Today I felt like he was very solid from the back of the court when he served well. I still have room to improve, but every win is great, especially in these conditions.
“As we speak the share of my web sport was not likely good, however I attempt to enhance, it is a part of the sport.
“Sometimes I feel things a little bit better, sometimes worse, that’s normal. Trying to stay there mentally is the most important aspect. Hopefully in the next round I am able to raise my level, but I’m still very happy.”
Tien continues teenage revolution
Elsewhere, Tien, 19, took out hobbling Frenchman Corentin Moutet 7-6 (12-10) 6-3 6-3 to proceed his gorgeous run on his Australian Open debut, turning into the youngest man to achieve the fourth spherical since Rafael Nadal in 2005.
The American ousted fifth seed Daniil Medvedev within the early hours of Friday morning however confirmed no indicators of damage and tear from that five-set epic as he arrange a conflict with Lorenzo Sonego.
“It feels great, obviously,” stated the Californian. “This exceeded my expectations coming into this week, you expect to win every match but to be in the second week is amazing.”
Monfils shocks Fritz to achieve final 16 in Melbourne
Gael Monfils, 38, upset Taylor Fritz on the Australian Open
The way forward for males’s tennis has been on present on the Australian Open however Monfils struck a significant blow for the outdated guard with victory over fourth seed Taylor Fritz.
Frenchman Monfils is simply the second participant aged 38 or over, after Roger Federer, to make the final 16 in Melbourne since 1988.
He’s having fun with fairly the begin to 2025 after turning into the oldest winner of an ATP Tour singles title in Auckland final weekend.
Monfils adopted that up by defeating US Open finalist Fritz 3-6 7-5 7-6 (7-1) 6-4, celebrating by dancing on Margaret Court docket Area to the delight of the Australian crowd.
It’s only the second time Monfils has overwhelmed a top-five opponent at a Grand Slam, with the primary coming method again in 2008.
“It was an unbelievable match,” stated Monfils. “I felt like I could move great today and the game plan was to hold my baseline. I’ve done the job. I’ve been fortunate but every day is different.
“We work onerous. I attempt to be very disciplined with the restoration, I’ve a robust perception in myself and a robust perception that I can nonetheless do some injury. Right here we’re within the second week of the Australian Open.”
Monfils joins 37-year-old Novak Djokovic within the final 16, whereas, on the different finish of the age spectrum, 20-year-old Alex Michelsen reached the fourth spherical at a significant for the primary time.
The American, who defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas within the first spherical, was a formidable 6-3 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 winner towards nineteenth seed Karen Khachanov.
Michelsen revealed his favorite participant to observe rising up was Monfils, who turned skilled the yr the American was born.
“The guy’s a pure athlete,” stated Michelsen. “All the feel and circus shots. He was incredible. I still love watching him. I always love watching him. For sure my favourite guy.”
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