Two rooms, two atmospheres at the Australian Open for French tennis. While the girls are already all eliminated, after the defeat of the only representative in the 2nd round Varvara Gracheva on Thursday, against the German Eva Lys (6-2, 3-6, 6-4), the boys are having a great time. With the qualifications of Gaël Monfils and Corentin Moutet last night, that makes five Blues in the 3rd round, a record since 2017.
And 12 for the Monf
After taking out Mpetshi Perricard in the opening, the Monf did not tremble against the German Daniel Altmaier (101st). The veteran won in three straight sets, to reach the third round of the Australian Grand Slam for the 12th time in his career. Only Novak Djokovic did better among active players. The road will clearly improve, however, to reach the round of 16, since Monfils will face Taylor Fritz, 4th player in the world from his state.
A little later, Corentin completed the improvement by dismissing Mitchell Krueger in four sets (4-6, 6-4, 7-6, 6-4). For its first at this level in Australia, theentertainer Tricolor could face Daniil Medvedev (5th in the world) in the 3rd round, opposed from 10:30 a.m. French time to the young American talent Learner Tien (121st).
With the qualifications of Ugo Humbert (14th), Arthur Fils (21st) and Benjamin Bonzi (64th), that makes five French representatives still in the running to reach the round of 16. Eight years since this had happened. The group shot was carried out by Benoît Paire, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gaël Monfils, Richard Gasquet and Gilles Simon. Another era.