Taylor Fritz’s Australian Open journey ended earlier than expected as he fell to Gael Monfils in a gripping third-round match.
Coming off a stellar 2024 season, which saw Fritz reach his first Grand Slam final at the US Open and the Nitto ATP Finals, the world No. 4 entered Melbourne Park with high hopes. He aimed for a deep run, potentially setting up a clash with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the semifinals. However, Monfils, showcasing vintage form, dashed those dreams with a tactically sharp performance.
Despite winning the first set, Fritz was unable to sustain control as the 38-year-old Frenchman outmaneuvered him, exposing vulnerabilities in the American’s game. Reflecting on the loss, Fritz acknowledged Monfils’s brilliance: “I think I played at a good level, but Gael was incredible today. I couldn’t put him under enough pressure with my shots. It’s hard to believe he’s 38.”
While visibly disappointed, Fritz remains focused on the season ahead, emphasizing the need to work on key areas with his team. With the year just starting, the 2024 US Open finalist has ample opportunities to surpass last season’s successes.
Taylor Fritz in 2025
Ranked no.4 (career-high), Fritz played his last match on the 18th of January when he lost to world no.41 Gael Monfils 3-6 7-5 7-6(1) 6-4 in the 3rd round of the Australian Open (draw).
This season the American has a composed 6-2 match record. Taylor conquered 1 title in Australia.
Taylor Fritz will fight against the world no.6 Casper Ruud in the Round Robin. Their current head to head is 2-1 for Ruud.
Taylor clinched 1 title in 2025 in Australia.
Taylor won 10 titles in his career: 7 on hard courts and 3 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
He is also scheduled to play in Dallas (Dallas Open) on the 3rd of February and Delray Beach (Delray Beach Open) on the 10th of February.
Monfils at the Australian Open, ranking, and results in 2025
Currently ranked no.41, the French player has a compiled 9-1 record in 2025. Monfils is currently playing at the Australian Open where he beat the world no.30 Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 7-6(7) 6-3 6-7(6) 6-7(5) 6-4, the world no.101 Daniel Altmaier 7-5 6-3 7-6(3) and the world no.4 Taylor Fritz 3-6 7-5 7-6(1) 6-4.
Gael Monfils will compete against the world no.20 Ben Shelton in the 4th round. They have never competed against each other as of now in top competitions.
Monfils has won 1 title in 2025 in Auckland.
Gael won 13 titles in his career: 4 on hard courts, 1 on clay courts and 8 on indoor courts. (See the list of his titles)
Monfils has scheduled to compete next in Montpellier (Open Occitanie). He will begin to play the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 27th of January.
Taylor Fritz and Gael Monfils played each other just twice. Their actual record is 1-1. Before, the last time they locked horns, Gael Monfils won 3-6 7-5 7-6(1) 6-4 in the 3rd round in Melbourne (Australian Open) on the 18th of January 2025.
In the following video you can watch the highlights.
Taylor Fritz and Gael Monfils |
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