A day of spectacular sizzler in Australian Open-Frenchman Gaël Monfils stunned USA’s Taylor Fritz in a five-set match. The upset that followed in the tournament was inconceivable and prompted Monfils’ wife, Elina Svitolina, to oust her rival soon after.
Monfils Stands Out: WTA Washington Classi
Monfils, the 37-year-old Frenchman, played his best tennis as he outlasted the world No. 9, Fritz 6-7(5), 7-6(3), 6-4, 4-6, 7-5. And even though over the years he faced numerous injuries and fluctuating form, Monfils came up with the spirited display of the virtuoso who outlasted the American star in the final that ended after four plus hours of riveting struggle.
“It was all I had,” Monfils said during his post-match interview on court. “I’m so proud of this win. It is additional assertions like this that make me continue competing.
Suddenly, Monfils has been able to make a comeback from the dead. Monfils could rely on his unbelievable movements and was making the crucial shots at the end of the sets, pushing the Frenchman to his limits while Fritz used powerful serves and precise ground strokes during the match.
Takeaway for Svitolina
Five hours after a tear-jerking triumph by Monfils, his wife, Elina Svitolina upset a seed higher than Monfils, cruising in straight sets. Svitolina, who has mentioned Monfils as one of her inspirations and constant support, said she was celebrating for her husband.
Svitolina said in her press conference, ‘‘It was great to watch Gaël fighting out there; it gave me energy and belief.’’ “He is such a great person and athlete and I look up to him so much, whether it is playing basketball or having a tough day at school.”
Fritz on Disappointment
This was too much for Fritz to bear that losing stretched itself to become an unbearable bitterness. The 25-year-old came into the tournament with much expectations after a good run earlier on in the ATP tennis events but was upset by Monfils.
He played an unbelievable match, she added. “I could have scored my shots but, he was the better man today.”
Monfils and Svitolina, what is in the future to them?
As for Monfils, the win means a difficult fourth round match but it is there, that hope for a long run in this tournament is rekindled. Further to motivating Svitolina for the win, which marks her comeback to supremacy after one year of combining motherhood and her career in tennis.
Fans of the Australian Open await the next games of the Monfils-Svitolina team, who did not fail to make people laugh; let’s just hope they do not do the same in their next match.
