At 38, he is still breaking records and is in the second week of the Australian Open: an exceptional athlete, Gaël Monfils, like his opponents, attributes his longevity to hard physical work.
His coronation in early January in Auckland made him the oldest tennis player to win a tournament on the main circuit. The 41st player in the world offers an unequivocal answer to journalists who question him about the secret of his longevity: “I work, that’s just it really. »
Too simple an answer? In any case, it is enough for Corentin Moutet (69th): “Work is just the explanation” of the success of the French veteran, who will face the American Ben Shelton (20th) on Monday in the round of 16.
“No one is born a champion. You become a champion by being disciplined, by training every day, by being courageous and Gaël is an example of that too”in addition to being “obviously an excellent tennis player with enormous qualities”compliments Moutet, beaten on Saturday in the 3rd round of the Australian Open.
For world No.1 Jannik Sinner, the longevity of a Monfils or a Novak Djokovic (37 years and 24 Grand Slam titles) forces the other players on the circuit to change direction. “point of view” on their priorities.
“Of course, it’s important to win now”develops the defending champion in Melbourne, aged 23 and winner of eight tournaments in 2024.
“But it’s also important to keep your body in good physical condition as your career continues.”adds the Italian, who insists on the need for preventive work, particularly among young players, to avoid certain injuries and make a career last as long as possible.

Gaël Monfils during the 1st round of the Australian Open, January 14, 2025 in Melbourne / DAVID GRAY / AFP
Another key to longevity according to Sinner: in a very busy schedule, “you have to choose the right tournaments, when to play and when” to rest.
As for whether he will be as fit as Monfils when he himself is 38, “That’s a question I don’t have the answer to.”admitted the double Grand Slam winner.
Alone with Federer
Is the Parisian the most accomplished athlete on the circuit? “The best 38-year-old athlete”Monfils replied with a pirouette, this time verbal.
A phrase often comes up in the speeches of opponents beaten by the dean of the men’s draw in recent days, the latest being no less than the 4th in the world Taylor Fritz.
“I forget he’s 38”admitted the 27-year-old American at a press conference.
Words which recall those of the Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (30th), beaten in the first round by “The Monf”: “Sometimes I told myself he wasn’t 38”confided the formidable 21-year-old server, dominated in five sets and almost four hours.
Pressed with questions about his age since the start of the tournament, Monfils likes to repeat that it is only a ” name “ and that as he approaches forty, he dreams more of a family life than of an improbable Grand Slam title.
By beating Fritz, he nevertheless became the only player over 38, with Swiss legend Roger Federer, to have reached the round of 16 of the Australian Open since the 128-participant draws existed in Melbourne (i.e. 1988).

Ben Shelton during his 3rd round match at the Australian Open, January 18, 2025 in Melbourne / Adrian DENNIS / AFP
His next opponent Ben Shelton (22 years old) made no secret of his admiration for his elder, Saturday after his victory in the 3rd round against Lorenzo Musetti (15th).
The young American particularly remembers a video compilation of the Frenchman’s most spectacular shots, “probably the best tennis compilation of all time” Or “Gael” demonstrates all his athletic qualities.
But in the round of 16, “I have no intention of being part of Gaël Monfils’ show or getting swept off the court”warned Shelton.