Gael Monfils Vs Dane Sweeny Highlights, AO 2026 1st Round: Frenchman Loses As Australian Wins Over Four Sets

We’re back with another live blog! Gael Monfils faces Dane Sweeny in the Australian Open, stay tuned for all the updates, twists, and action as it unfolds.

24-year-old Australian battled to a 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (7-4) win over Italian veteran Stefano Travaglia to secure his spot, in the Grand Slam main draw.

Frenchman Gael Monfils last year announced that 2026 will be his last on the tennis court. The 39-year-old has won 13 titles in his career.

"Life is too short. Believe me when I say that I have no regrets," Monfils wrote on Instagram.

"What I do have is the feeling that I have been lucky: insanely, stupidly lucky. I've had the chance to play during a golden age of tennis, alongside some of the greatest names in the history of our sport: Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Murray.

"The opportunity to turn my passion into a profession is a privilege I have cherished during every match and moment of my 21-year career."

Match to begin soon on the Show Court Arena between Monfils and Sweeny. Will this the Frenchman's final outing in Melbourne Park? Let's wait and watch.

Sweeny is serving first in the 1st round match at the Kia Arena against the Frenchman. The Australian has raced to a 1-0 lead in the 1st set with huge crowd here, to support their local man.

Dane Sweeny holds on to his serve as he takes a 2-1 lead in the 1st set against Monfils.

Both players are holding on their serve and are giving very little away. Sweeny leads 4-3 but Monfils is on the Australian heels and this could get really interesting.

Monfils and Sweeny are in engrossed in a fierce battle in the first round match at the Kia Arena. The match has gone to tie-break and it seems, one unforced error could decide as to which way the pendulum will swing.

After a tough battle between the two, Monfils is the one that emerges victorious by claiming the 1st set 7-6 (7-3). Sweeny gave a good account of himself and with the crowd backing him, but Frenchman was too good and takes the first set honours.

Gael Monfils is tied 2-2 with Sweeny with both players holding on their serve in the 2nd set.

Monfils has always been a crowd favourite wherever he has played. But not today. The Frenchman isn't getting the support as the fans want their home favourite to progress. However, Sweeny is trailing in the second set.

There's always bit of drama and excitement when Monfils is around. The Frenchman was 5-3 up in the second set, having an opportunity to serve out the set and take a 2-0 lead. However, Sweeny fights back and makes it 5-5 much to the delight of the home fans.

Monfils has succumbed to pressure as he concedes the 2nd set to Sweeny. Despite being a break-down, the Australian pushes Gael Monfils to a corner and takes the set from the Frenchman's clutches. Game On!

Gael Monfils 7-6 (7-3), 5-7 Dane Sweeny

Australian is in no mood of sentiments as Sweeny takes a 4-2 lead in the third set. Monfils looks out of ideas and seems like the vigours of the 1st and 2nd set has taken a toll on him.

Some unforced errors from Monfils that sees Sweeny land the killer blow and win the third set to go 2-1 up. This has been a remarkable comeback from the Australian, who has shown composure with the home support behind him.

After losing the last two sets, Gael Monfils has not given up hope as he battles hard to stay in the contest. The Frenchman is 4-1 up in the fourth set and we could see this match enter fifth set.

5-4 up and now Monfils has the ball in his court as he serves up for the match.

Gael Monfils receives a standing ovation as the Frenchman bids goodbye to Melbourne Park. His final appearance at AUS Open ends in defeat as he loses 6-7 (3-7) 7-5 6-4 7-5 to Sweeny.