The pragmatic pro in Gael Monfils would like to have finished off his first-round win in straight sets against up-and-coming fellow Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard at the Australian Open. The entertainer’s instinct in him got a lot of value out of clinching it in five.

Age is a number” was Gael Monfils’ assessment when he broke the record as the oldest ATP tour title winner in Auckland last week.

French veteran Gael Monfils triumphs in a five-set thriller against young compatriot Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the Australian Open first round, ca

The 38-year-old Monfils used his experience and guile to top 21-year-old Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in five sets.

Gael Monfils, 38, registered a dramatic victory in the first round of Australian Open against 21-year-old Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.