Veteran Monfils downs big-serving Mpetshi Perricard in Melbourne epic
MELBOURNE, Australia — French veteran Gael Monfils battled through a five-set thriller to topple young countryman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard at the Australian Open on Tuesday as he enjoys a late-career resurgence.
The flamboyant 38-year-old became the oldest singles champion in ATP Tour history when he swept to victory at the Auckland Classic on Saturday.
He kept the momentum going against Mpetshi Perricard, 21, raising his arms in celebration after a 7-6 (9/7), 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 6-7 (5/7), 6-4 victory over 3hrs 46mins in the first round.
Monfils won the first two sets and should have wrapped it up in the third, when he had two match points against a player with one of the game's most lethal serves.
But Mpetshi Perricard, who has risen from 205 in the world at the start of 2024 to his current 30, fought back.
Ultimately, Monfils' experience paid off, keeping his cool to reach the second round in Melbourne for a 17th time.
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