On January 18, 2025, tennis fans will eagerly anticipate the third-round match at the Australian Open between fourth seed Taylor Fritz and veteran Gael Monfils. Fritz, currently ranked World No. 4, has shown incredible form throughout the tournament, advancing with remarkable ease and dropping only eight games across his first two matches. His swift victories over countryman Jenson Brooksby and unseeded Cristian Garín highlight his dominance on the hard courts of Melbourne. Notably, the Californian won against Garín with a stunning score of 6-2, 6-1, 6-0, completing the match in just 72 minutes.
Fritz’s success this season follows his impressive run in 2024, where he reached both the US Open finals and the ATP Tour Finals, thereby solidifying his place among the top competitors on the ATP circuit. His performance at the Australian Open marks him as one of the favorites to challenge for the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup.
Meanwhile, Monfils, aged 38 and unseeded, brings a wealth of experience and skill to the court. He has demonstrated remarkable resilience, having narrowly outlasted Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the first round before easily defeating Daniel Altmaier 7-5, 6-3, 7-6(3) in the second round. Monfils’ earlier win, which stretched to five sets, showcases his stamina and ability to compete against younger players.
The stakes are high for both players as they face off at the iconic Margaret Court Arena. Their previous encounter came six years ago at the same venue during the 2019 Australian Open, where Fritz won after four closely contested sets, indicating their rivalry's competitive nature. Currently, Fritz leads their head-to-head record 1-0, making him the favorite heading to this matchup.
Fritz has quickly established himself as the top-ranked American following his stellar 2024, promising to take the fight to Monfils. Both players demonstrated their tenacity and skill during the second round, with Fritz making 24 winners and winning 78 percent of his first-serve points. Monfils, on the other hand, delivered 12 aces and 37 winners, though his eight double faults could hinder his performance against Fritz.
At the Australian Open, Fritz has carved out his path toward potentially becoming the first American man to win a Grand Slam singles title since Andy Roddick's triumph at the US Open in 2003. His phenomenal pace and crisp play style make him one of the contenders to watch.
Fritz carried his momentum from 2024, and this year, he continues to exude confidence on hard courts. It remains to be seen whether Monfils can keep pace. Undoubtedly, Monfils’ athleticism and experience will provide challenges, especially as he seeks redemption after his title drought since 2023 ended with his recent ASB Classic win.
Betting odds favor Fritz significantly, with moneyline odds showing Fritz at -610 compared to Monfils at +500. Predictions vary among analysts, with most leaning toward Fritz securing the win, emphatically thanks to his previous performances. Experts predict the match will be competitive, with some believing Monfils has what it takes to challenge Fritz intensely.
The match is set for the evening, with start times around 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT), promising excitement for viewers. Fans can watch the match live on various platforms, including ESPN and the Tennis Channel, with streaming options available through services like Fubo and ESPN+.
Regardless of the outcome, the match between Fritz and Monfils is bound to be riveting, showcasing the intersection of youth and experience on the grand stage of the Australian Open.