Australian Open 2025 results: Eleven Tien and Gael Monfils defy generation gap to reach fourth round

Tien is the first 19-year-old American to reach the fourth round at the Australian Open since 14-time Grand Slam winner Pete Sampras in 1990.

He is one of a trio of teenagers who have impressed with wins over top-10 players in Melbourne.

Brazil’s Joao Fonseca, 18, stunned Russian Andrey Rublev in the first round, the then 19-year-old Czech Jakub Mensik knocked out Norway’s Casper Ruud in the second round.

But while both Fonseca and Mensik have fallen, Tien has stepped up to arrange a meeting with Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego.

“Obviously it feels great,” Tien said.

“This has exceeded my expectations, what I was hoping for coming into this week.

“You go into every game believing you can win, but to be in the second week is amazing.”

Meanwhile, Monfils, a showman and crowd favorite, continued his rich vein of recent form.

His victory over 27-year-old Fritz follows on from victory at the ASB Classic in Auckland earlier this month, when he became the oldest winner of an ATP Tour singles title.

After serving an ace – his 24th of the match – to see out the victory, Monfils danced in celebration before pumping his chest and roaring to the stands.

“I have a strong belief that I can still do some damage,” Monfils said.

“He started strong but I felt like I could move great today.”

Monfils’ victory came before his wife Elina Svitolina won her third-round tie against Jasmine Paolini on the same court.

“I think I warmed up the court for her,” Monfils joked.

“She plays world number four so it will be tough for her, but I hope she will smash this one.”

Monfils will play American 21st seed Ben Shelton after he beat Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti 6-3 3-6 6-4 7-6 (7-5).