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Monfils 'crazy happy' after epic Australian Open win aged 38 / Photo: DAVID GRAY - AFP
Monfils 'crazy happy' after epic Australian Open win aged 38
A "crazy happy" Gael Monfils said age was just a number Tuesday after the 38-year-old Frenchman toppled young countryman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in a five-set thriller at the Australian Open.
The flamboyant Monfils 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, 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 three hours and 46 minutes in the first round.
"Honestly, I never really think about it," he said of his age. "I know I'm aged a little bit, but I try my best.
"I know this week I can sometimes have double the age of the guy (he's playing). I have, I think, 21 years of career, and he's 21 years old, Giovanni.
"Of course numbers are there, but I'm fighting, so I try not to put any number in my head."
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 where he will meet Germany's Daniel Altmaier.
"I have a lot of experience in those matches, also my condition, I feel I was good physically," said the veteran.
"I won this match. I'm crazy happy. I have another chance to come out and play in a packed stadium.
"Everything is a win now, so, you know, no pressure on me."
M.Lombardi--INP
