Experience triumphed over potential as Gael Monfils edged Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 7-6(7), 6-3, 6-7(6), 7-6(5), 6-4 in an all-French thriller in the first round of the Australian Open on Tuesday.

"Now he is in the category of Reilly (Opelka), John (Isner), Ivo (Karlovic), Milos (Raonic)," he said. "Of course it's a bullet, his first serve, but where for me he stands out ... is because his ...

"Now he is in the category of Reilly (Opelka), John (Isner), Ivo (Karlovic), Milos (Raonic)," he said. "Of course it's a bullet, his first serve, but where for me he stands out ... is because his ...

It’s just a number, but I’m sure I’ll feel more 48 than 38 tomorrow morning. Giovanni is in the category of Reilly (Opelka), John (Isner), Ivo (Karlovic), Milos (Raonic). Of course it’s a bullet, his ...

“Now he is in the category of Reilly (Opelka), John (Isner), Ivo (Karlovic), Milos (Raonic),” Monfils said. “But his second serve is crazy good. I think he is the first guy on tour who hits a second ...

He’s No. 7 with the oddsmakers? The 21-year-old makes Ivo Karlović look like a knuckleballer. There are still a lot of edges in need of planing and sanding. But that serve alone will win ...