Gael Monfils retires to bring record-breaking Australian Open run to an unfortunate end

On By Littum

Record-breaking Gael Monfils withdrew from his Australian Open fourth-round match against young American Ben Shelton as the 38-year-old’s epic run in Melbourne came to an unfortunate end.

An ailing Monfils received a standing ovation when he left the court after trailing 6-7 7-6 6-7 1-0 early in the fourth set. The Frenchman, who last week became the oldest player to win an ATP tour title, had nothing left to give and was struggling with a back injury after being drawn into a three-hour match by the big-serving Shelton.

Monfils had rolled back the years at the Australian Open with wins over fourth seeds Taylor Fritz, Daniel Altmaier and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard to become the oldest man to reach the fourth round in Melbourne since Roger Federer. He had also won eight matches in a row following his surprise title in Auckland at the start of the year.

Monfils had been pushing his body to its limits since taking five sets to beat Mpetshi Perricard in the opening round, and he admitted he was sore before the match against Shelton began.

“Unfortunately I couldn’t finish the match, but I’m happy with everything I gave today,” Monfils said afterwards.

“You know, at the end of the day, it’s been a very long trip for me, where I’ve played a lot of games and spent a lot of hours,” Monfils said. “Of course, some days are harder. Today was one where I think I was already very close to the limit and I think I passed it, unfortunately.

“You know it happens, but I’m still learning, which is good. Learning also requires more experience. Of course, today was tougher for me physically.”

Monfils and Shelton were all smiles as they shook hands in net, with the 22-year-old complimented on the veteran’s efforts in the match.

“Gael is a great guy, I’ve seen him since I was a kid,” Shelton said. “I’ve always said he has the best highlight reel ever and we saw some of that tonight. At 38, I hope I will still be able to walk without crutches.

“To push me like he did today and to entertain in New Zealand and Australia like he has done over the last two weeks is so impressive and I hope to be able to make memories like that in that age. It’s really special and unheard of in sports.

Shelton was full of respect for Monfils after his run to the fourth round

Shelton was full of respect for Monfils after his run to the fourth round (Getty Images)

“For me, he’s played a lot of long games and I wanted to make it as physical as possible. He does a lot of things on the court incredibly well, a lot of counter hitting, which makes you feel uncomfortable at the net. Being able to finding that balance, it was incredibly difficult today because he served so well.

“There are a lot of things that make him a nightmare to play. I can’t imagine playing him when he was 21, 22 like me.”

However, Monfils will still have an interest in the Australian Open as his partner Elina Svitolina booked her place in the quarter-finals on her return from injury.

Svitolina was happy to bring some light to Ukraine with her victory over Russian Veronika Kudermetova in the fourth round of the Australian Open.

Svitolina, who has refused to shake hands with Russian or Belarusian opponents after matches since the start of the war almost three years ago, overcame a poor start to win 6-4 6-1 and reach her 12th grand slam quarter-final.

“This fighting spirit that I have is completely Ukrainian spirit that I try to show, that I also try to represent,” she said.

The 30-year-old, playing in her first tournament since foot surgery last September, has won all eight matches she has played against Russian opponents since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

In the last eight, Svitolina will take on in-form American Madison Keys, who upset sixth seed Elena Rybakina 6-3 1-6 6-3.

Includes reporting from PA