Gael Monfils made history on Sunday, becoming the oldest tennis player to reach the quarterfinals of the Miami Open.
The 38-year-old Frenchman took down 27-year-old Jaume Munar of Spain in a thrilling match, winning 7-5, 5-7, and 7-6. Monfils, ranked 46th in the world, had the crowd on his side throughout the 2-hour-40-minute battle. When he finally won the tiebreaker, the crowd erupted in cheers.
A Career of Longevity
Monfils’ enduring career is a testament to his dedication and skill. He first reached the quarterfinals of the Miami Open 20 years ago, in 2005, when he was just 18. This marks his fourth time making it to the quarterfinals in the Florida tournament.
The Tennis Letter tweeted about Monfils’ achievement, saying: “Gael Monfils’ reaction after becoming the oldest man in history to reach the Round of 16 in Miami. The crowd ERUPTS. 38 years young. One of the greatest entertainers I can recall seeing in any sport, in any arena. Inject this into my veins.”
Next Match
On Tuesday, Monfils will face off against American Sebastian Korda, ranked 25th in the world, in the quarterfinals. This will be a rematch of their recent encounter in Indian Wells, where Monfils emerged victorious. Korda defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas on Sunday to secure his spot in the quarterfinals.