Australian Open: Shelton full of adulation for 'legend' Monfils

Ben Shelton said "he always wants to see Gael Monfils win" after the American secured his spot in the Australian Open quarter-finals.

Monfils' remarkable run at Melbourne Park came to an end on Monday, as he retired hurt from his last-16 tie with Shelton, who had just clinched the first break of a tense encounter.

The score was 7-6 (7-3) 6-7 (3-7) 7-6 (7-2) 1-0 in Shelton's favour when Monfils approached the net to withdraw.

In what was his 193rd grand slam match, Monfils played in a tie-break in each of the first three sets for the first time in his career.

And Shelton, who is the youngest American to reach a second Australian Open quarter-final since Andy Roddick in 2005, was full of adulation for the 38-year-old Frenchman.

He told reporters: "Obviously not the way you want to win it. Happy with the way that I fought for those three sets. Then getting an early break in the fourth.

"[He's] a legend of our sport. Hopefully a quick recovery for him.

"The little kid in me always wants to see Gael win. I always want to see him hit the highlight shot and trick shot.

"It's like players always get mad when the crowd is against them or not for them, but honestly, all I could do today was appreciate the fans getting behind him. It was just a cool moment for me to be a part of.

"Obviously, they were cheering against me, pretty much the whole stadium, but it's kind of the stuff that gives you goosebumps, the stuff that you live for."

2 - Ben Shelton is the youngest American to reach his second Men’s Singles quarter-final at the Australian Open since Andy Roddick (2003-05). Talented.#AO2025 | @AustralianOpen @atptour

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) January 20, 2025

Shelton signalled to the crowd at Margaret Court Arena to heap further praise on Monfils after the veteran campaigner's retirement.

Asked if he plans on playing deep into his thirties, the 22-year-old said with a smile: "I don't think I want to be out here at 38.

"You never know. I think it's all about love for the sport, how much you pace yourself.

"Gael has given me a few pep talks over the last few years, at certain times whether I was playing great and doing great and playing a lot, or maybe it was that 2023 run where I lost a lot of matches in a row or lost early in a lot of tournaments in a row.

"He said it was important for him in his career that he found the places that he loved to play, and he focused on those weeks and doing really well in those weeks and knowing there are places that he doesn't love to play and not stressing as much.

"That's the way that he's been able to keep the love for the sport, and you are seeing this. He's still entertaining crowds at 38 years old, which is remarkable.

"Obviously, he's done it in a way where he can still love it and enjoy it. It's long seasons. It's certainly an easy sport to get burnt out.

"An individual sport, it's not like you have a team who can pick up the slack if you're a vet and you can play less minutes. No, you've got to be out there for every point. So yeah, I'm not sure where I'll be at 38."

This is what it’s all about @BenShelton @Gael_Monfils#GiveItSomeMayo! pic.twitter.com/jOuqJtGzmo

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2025

Monfils, meanwhile, was able to reflect on a remarkable start to the season that has also included a success in Auckland, which made him the oldest ever player to win an ATP trophy.

He said: "I'm always happy. Always positive. Unfortunately, I couldn't finish the match, but I'm happy with all I gave."

Monfils now wants to see Shelton push on.

"I love Ben. I love him. You know, this kid is amazing," he added. "He's full of energy. He's a great kid. Now, I'm rooting for him. He's a guy that I really appreciate. He's just an amazing kid."

Shelton will face Lorenzo Sonego in the last eight.