The Australian Open has waved goodbye to one of tennis's great entertainers, as veteran French star Gael Monfils was eliminated in a thrilling first-round epic on Tuesday. The 39-year-old, who has confirmed 2026 will be his final year on tour, fell to inspired Australian qualifier Dane Sweeny in a marathon four-set battle at Kia Arena.
An Epic Four-Hour Battle on Kia Arena
The match stretched for nearly four hours, becoming a brutal test of endurance and will. Monfils initially seized control, winning the first set in a tense tiebreak. He then appeared poised to take a commanding two-set lead, serving for the second set. However, the momentum shifted dramatically. World No. 182 Sweeny, a relative unknown on the grand slam stage, produced a stunning fightback, breaking serve and winning four consecutive games to level the match.
As the vocal Melbourne crowd rallied behind the local hope, Sweeny carried his newfound belief into the third set, securing an early break. Monfils, a player renowned for his athleticism, was visibly battling his own body. His movement became laboured, and his famous footwork deserted him as fatigue took hold. In a display of sheer grit, the ailing veteran miraculously saved four set points before Sweeny finally closed out the set on his own serve.
Sweeny Seals a Career-Defining Victory
The fourth set delivered another twist, with Monfils digging deep to find a crucial break of serve against the odds. Yet, the 24-year-old Queenslander, Dane Sweeny, refused to be denied. He broke back immediately and landed a decisive second break in the 11th game. Serving for the match, Sweeny held his nerve to complete the biggest win of his young career, sending him into the second round of a major for the first time.
The moment of victory was pure emotion. Sweeny fell to the court in disbelief before sharing a warm embrace with the defeated legend. For Monfils, it marked the end of his 20th Australian Open campaign. The two-time quarter-finalist, who remarkably reached the fourth round last year at 38, took a final lap of honour to bid farewell to the Melbourne Park fans who have adored his spectacular shot-making for two decades.
Australian Drama Continues into the Night
In other Australian Open action on Tuesday, another local hope was involved in a marathon five-setter. Christopher O'Connell fought valiantly but ultimately fell to American Nishesh Basavareddy. In a match lasting just over four hours, Basavareddy recovered from being two sets to one down to win 4-6, 7-6(7), 6-7(3), 6-2, 6-3.
While the spotlight shines on the rising Dane Sweeny, the day belonged to the celebration of a remarkable career. Gael Monfils' final Australian Open chapter closed with a classic, hard-fought contest that epitomised his fighting spirit and enduring appeal.
