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Miami Open: Monfils becomes second-oldest man to win a match at ATP Masters 1000

IANS March 20, 2025 85 views

French tennis veteran Gael Monfils continues to defy age at the Miami Open by becoming the second-oldest player to win a match in ATP Masters 1000 history. At 38 years old, Monfils demonstrated remarkable skill and resilience in defeating Fabian Marozsan in a hard-fought three-set match. His performance included an impressive 38 winners and strategic shot-making that neutralized his younger opponent. Monfils now advances to face Jiri Lehecka, showcasing that experience and determination can still triumph in professional tennis.

"I hit some different angles and showed I could run and anticipate." - Gael Monfils
Miami, March 20: Gael Monfils made history at the Miami Open as he became the second-oldest man to win a match at the ATP Masters 1000 event after Jimmy Connors.

Key Points

1

Monfils wins thriller against Marozsan in three sets

2

Second-oldest ATP Masters 1000 match winner

3

38 winners help secure victory

4

Sets up match with Jiri Lehecka

ATP No. 1 Club member Connors is the oldest man to win a match in Miami, having done so at 39 in 1992.

The 38-year-old Frenchman overcame last year's quarterfinalist Fabian Marozsan 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 to reach the second round in Florida after one hour and 44 minutes, ATP reports.

Monfils struck 38 winners and committed 18 unforced errors to clinch victory and set up a meeting with Jiri Lehecka.

"I hit some different angles and showed I could run and anticipate. I made it hard [for him]. I hit with a bit more depth in my shots and did not let him dictate and I think I did well," Monfils said.

Earlier, Alexander Bublik clinched his maiden tour-level win on outdoor courts in 2025. The 27-year-old overcame Sebastian Baez 6-3, 6-4 to record his first victory in Miami since 2022.

Bublik, who advanced to the quarter-finals in Florida in 2021 will next meet Tommy Paul.

David Goffin eliminated Aleksandar Vukic 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 to set a second-round clash with second seed Carlos Alcaraz. The 34-year-old Belgian is a former semi-finalist (2016) at the ATP Masters 1000.

Rinky Hijikata defeated Hamad Medjedovic 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 and will next take on Novak Djokovic. Australian qualifier Tristan Schoolkate cruised past American Ethan Quinn 6-0, 6-2 and will play Felix Auger-Aliassime in the second round.

Italian Federico Cina won his first tour-level match at the Miami Open, where he defeated Argentine Francisco Comesana 7-6(4), 7-6(2).

The 17-year-old dug deep in the second set, battling through the tie-break after initially squandering a 5-2 lead in the set and a match point on return at 5-3. The wild card raised his arms aloft after sealing victory and he will next play Grigor Dimitrov, according to ATP.

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