The pragmatic pro in Gael Monfils would like to have finished off his first-round win in straight sets against up-and-coming

The Frenchman is as hot as anyone, making this a tricky third-rounder the 2024 US Open runner-up.

Experience triumphed over potential as Gael Monfils edged Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard ... to the second round on his 19th visit to Melbourne Park when his opponent sent a return long.

Plus, Grand Slam champs Iga Swiatek and Emma Raducanu's divergent paths cross again in the third round. Before each day's play in Melbourne, we'll preview three must-see matches.

Gael Monfils is surfing on the moment at the Australian Open, after he booked a third-round tie with Taylor Fritz.

Experience triumphed over potential as Gael Monfils edged Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 7-6(7) 6-3 6-7(6) 7-6(5) 6-4 in an all-French thriller in the first round of the Australian Open on Tuesday.

Monfils has won 127 grand slam matches – the most of any French player in the Open Era. He will face Taylor Fritz in the third-round at the Australian Open 2025

The 38-year-old Gael Monfils has held off fellow Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in five sets to advance to the second round of the Australian Open. Much was made of the