Australian Open 2025 results: Learner Tien and Gael Monfils defy generation gaps to reach fourth round
Tien is the first 19-year-old American to reach the fourth round at the Australian Open since 14-time Grand Slam winner Pete Sampras in 1990.
He is one of a trio of teens who have impressed with wins over top-10 players in Melbourne.
Brazil’s Joao Fonseca, 18, stunned Russian Andrey Rublev in the first round, while Czech 19-year-old Jakub Mensik knocked out Norway’s Casper Ruud in the second round.
But while both Fonseca and Mensik have fallen, Tien has advanced to set up a meeting with Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego.
“It feels great, obviously,” said Tien.
“This has exceeded my expectations, what I was hoping for coming into this week.
“You go into every match believing you can win, but to be in the second week is amazing.”
Meanwhile Monfils, a showman and a crowd favourite, continued his rich vein of recent form.
His win over 27-year-old Fritz follows victory at the ASB Classic in Auckland earlier this month, where he became the oldest winner of an ATP Tour singles title.
After serving an ace to see out victory – his 24th of the match – Monfils danced in celebration before pumping his chest and roaring to the stands.
“I have a strong belief I can still do some damage,” Monfils said.
“He started strong but I felt I could move great today.”
Monfils’ victory came before his wife Elina Svitolina won her third-round tie against Jasmine Paolini on the same court.
“I think I warmed up the court for her,” Monfils joked.
“She plays the world number four so it will be tough for her but I hope she will smash this one.”
Monfils will play American 21st seed Ben Shelton after he beat Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti 6-3 3-6 6-4 7-6 (7-5).
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