Gael Monfils was fighting to break his six-match losing streak in the first round of the Australian Open 2021. However, unseeded Emil Ruusuvuori stopped the Frenchman from breaking his embarrassing streak as the former defeated Monfils in a thrilling five-setter 3-6, 6-4, 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 in 3 hours and 50 minutes on the opening day of the Australian Open 2021.

Monfils has not won a match since his victory over compatriot Richard Gasquet at the Dubai Championships 2020 in February.

Gael Monfils went off with a comfortable start

Monfils broke his opponent thrice while he was broken only once to take the opening set 6-3. However, the Finnish star who has been ranked as high as world No.4 in the ITF juniors ranking broke Monfils in the first game of the second set. The set saw no breaks with Emil equalizing the match at 1-1.

The third set looked like the replication of the second set as Emil broke Monfils again in the very first game. However, Gael fought back to break Emil twice to serve for the set at 5-4. To everyone’s surprise, the Frenchman was broken back twice with Emil taking the third set.

Trending

‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff

April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT

Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her ‘Little Pink’ Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor

April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT

‘Have Him F**King Walk Out with Rafa’- Andy Roddick Imagines Emotional Scenario That Brings Roger Federer Together with His Beloved Rival

April 24, 2024 12:02 PM EDT

‘Got Them a $92,000 Motor Home’- Venus and Serena Williams’ Childhood Coach Rick Macci Reveals Lavish Money Spent Based on ‘King’ Richard’s Confidence

February 14, 2023 09:40 PM EST

Mutua Madrid Open: Heart-Broken Taylor Townsend Makes Shattering Admission About Missing Son’s Martial Arts Performance

April 23, 2024 04:07 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Monfils strikes back in the fourth

Gael saved three breakpoints in the first game of the fourth set to hold his serve for the crucial game. He then came back into the match after breaking Emil once and winning the fourth set 6-3, taking the match to the distance.

Alas, Monfils did not look solid in the final set as he was broken in the fourth game. The Frenchman’s poor run of form continued as he lost the final set 6-3. Emil will face either Yoshihito Nishioka or Pedro Martinez in the Second Round of Australian Open 2021.

In another thrilling five-set match, home star John Millman was outclassed by Frenchman Corentin Moutet, who advanced to the next round winning the opening match 6-4, 6-7, 3-6, 6-2, 6-3.