**Dane Sweeny’s Breakthrough Win, Monfils’ Farewell Highlight Australian Open**
Key Takeaways:
- Australian wildcard Dane Sweeny earned his first Grand Slam match win at the 2026 Australian Open.
- Veteran Gael Monfils made his final appearance in Melbourne, capping a 20-year career at the event.
- Fans searched for tennis scores as emotional moments and unexpected results unfolded on Day 3.
Melbourne, Australia — Searches for “tennis scores” spiked as the Australian Open delivered an emotional and unexpected storyline: 24-year-old wildcard Dane Sweeny fought past French showman Gael Monfils in a four-set thriller, marking the young Australian’s first Grand Slam main-draw victory, while effectively closing the AO chapter of Monfils’ storied career.
Sweeny Rises to the Occasion, Monfils Bids Emotional Farewell
On Tuesday, January 20, Dane Sweeny defeated Gael Monfils in the first round of the 2026 Australian Open with a 6-7 (3), 7-5, 6-4, 7-5 victory that lasted nearly four hours. Initially entering the match with low expectations, Sweeny shifted his mindset mid-match, drawing energy from the Kia Arena crowd. His performance ended Monfils’ two-decade run in Melbourne, as the 39-year-old confirmed this would be his final tournament at the venue.
“To not only win in a Grand Slam, but to do it at home and against a legend — it’s surreal,” Sweeny said post-match. Monfils, who made his AO debut in 2004 and reached two quarterfinals over his 20 main-draw appearances, thanked fans during an emotional on-court farewell, stating, “Thank you so much for this amazing ride.”
From Challenger Circuit to Centre Stage
Sweeny, ranked No. 182 globally and once as low as No. 680 in early 2025, earned his place through the qualifying draw. His win signals a potential new chapter for Australian men’s tennis, especially at a Slam where local heroes are watched closely. With the crowd behind him, he embraced the moment emotionally and athletically, grinding through long rallies and key break points to shock a seasoned opponent.
Monfils’ farewell, meanwhile, represents the end of an era. Entering his retirement season in 2026, he plans to shift focus toward supporting his wife, Elina Svitolina, during her campaign. His unique personality and electrifying play left a deep imprint on fans worldwide, especially Down Under where he was a repeated fan favorite.
What’s Next: Top 10 Test for Sweeny
Sweeny now faces the toughest test of his young career, squaring off against seventh-ranked Ben Shelton in the second round. Shelton opened with a straight-sets win over Ugo Humbert and looks to defend his semifinal points from a year ago. Sweeny acknowledged the challenge but remained upbeat: “I was hoping for a crack at Sinner or Alcaraz, but Shelton’s a good consolation prize.”
With Monfils officially bowing out of Melbourne and Sweeny surging into the spotlight, the tournament’s narrative has already captured global attention — reflected in the surge in search interest for “tennis scores.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is “tennis scores” trending?
A: Fans are checking updates from the Australian Open following Dane Sweeny’s upset over Gael Monfils and emotional moments from Monfils’ farewell.
Q: What happens next?
A: Dane Sweeny will face world No. 7 Ben Shelton in the second round. The match is expected to take place within the next 48 hours.
#AustralianOpen
