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