Le Parisien had named Germany's Yannick Hanfmann, ranked 49th in the world, as the favourite for the match. A way, no doubt, to take some of the pressure off yourself. It must be said that Hanfman had dominated the Frenchman in their first meeting in 2020. But the Monfils of 2023 is better than the one of 2020. Confirmation. The former French number one did not tremble to tame the German in three short sets. At 37 years old, the "Monf" proves that she has some nice leftovers. The former world number 6, the fifth French player to qualify for the 2nd round, will face Argetnin Etcheverry, who defeated Andy Murray, in the next round. Earlier, Adrian Mannarino defeated 38-year-old Stan Wawrinka (6-4, 3-6, 5-7, 6-3, 6-0) in 3 hours and 36 minutes. Trailing two sets to one, the left-hander got the better of the Swiss physically. It was the same scenario for the young French rider Luca van Assche, who defeated Australian James Duckworth in five sets (6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3) in 3 hours and 36 minutes. The 19-year-old prospect scored his first win in Melbourne. Hugo Gaston, on the other hand, is a lucky loser. The left-hander drafted from qualifying dominated Roberto Carballes Baena (6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-4) to advance to the 2nd round. It was the Toulouse-born rider's first win in Melbourne in three appearances. The 8th finalist of Roland-Garros 2020 will face Taylor Fritz in the 2nd round. After Quentin Halys on Sunday, there are currently five French players to have reached the second round. However, it is already over for Benjamin Bonzi, logically beaten by Lorenzo Musetti (7-6, 7-6, 4-6, 6-2). No performance either for Constant Lestienne, who was dominated in three sets by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (6-4, 6-4, 7-6). Coming out of qualifying, 22-year-old Terence Altman snatched a set from two-time finalist Danill Medvedev, before being betrayed by his body to throw in the towel. Suffering from cramps, Altmane gave in (5-7, 6-2, 6-4, 1-0, ab).
To discover
- Australian Open: women's schedule and results
- Australian Open: men's schedule and results