Dangerous Fritz books Monfils clash

MELBOURNE, Australia (AFP) — Fired-up Taylor Fritz scorched through to an Australian Open third-round clash against Gael Monfils with another emphatic win Thursday, dropping just eight games in the tournament so far.

The American fourth seed was untouchable on Margaret Court Arena, swatting aside Chilean qualifier Cristian Garin 6-2, 6-1, 6-0 in 82 minutes.

Fritz only gave up five games to blitz past Jenson Brooksby in the first round and has spent barely three hours on court.

The win set him up with a trickier clash against 38-year-old Frenchman Monfils, who belied his age with a tight three-set victory over Germany’s Daniel Altmaier.

“Always feels great to come out and play a match like that,” said Fritz, who is yet to drop serve in his pursuit of a maiden Grand Slam title.

“I played well in my first round, too so I’ll be high on confidence going into the third round.”

Monfils will be awaiting him, with the veteran enjoying a late career resurgence, winning a title in Auckland ahead of the Australian Open.

“He’s a great guy. Just won a title, super happy for him and he’s played really well in his last two matches, so it’s going to be tough,” Fritz said.

After Fritz and Garin sized each other up in the early stages, the American made his move in a lengthy game four, converting from the baseline on his third breakpoint to move 3-1 clear.

He then reeled off seven games in a row to take full control before Garin finally held serve.

But it was futile as Fritz wrapped up the second set in just 30 minutes, then broke Garin’s opening serve in set three before romping home.

Fritz is looking to build on a memorable 2024.

He lost the title match at the ATP Finals in Turin in November to top-ranked Jannik Sinner.

That came only weeks after playing the US Open final against the Italian, his first visit to a Grand Slam decider.

He is bidding to become the first American man to make the final in Australia since Andre Agassi won the title in 2003.