Gael Monfils after winning the first set.Credit: Photograph by Chris Hopkins
As they entered the second set, the two game styles became apparent.
For Sweeny, it was about bringing Monfils to the net and pushing him around the court, with the 39-year-old reluctant to rush in for drop shots and hunt down every ball like he might have in his younger years.
For Monfils, it was about the big serve and powerful ball-striking as he moved Sweeny around. The 24-year-old Australian was quick, but there was only so much court he could cover in a point, especially with how often he ended up horizontal while diving for a ball.
Dane Sweeny celebrates winning the third set.Credit: Getty Images
But in the second set, it was Monfils who lost momentum, with Sweeny playing with nothing to lose, and he carried that mentality and resilience into the third.
It was three hours of hard slog in the opening three sets, but Sweeny had to be cautious not to let Monfils back into the match. For all the Frenchman’s obvious discomfort and fatigue, he has extraordinarily resilience when it comes to five-set matches.
After going down a break in the fourth, Sweeny fought back into the set and snagged a late break to serve for the match.
With two match points in hand, Sweeny sent a forehand winner down the line and collapsed on the court as KIA Arena erupted.
Dane Sweeny collapses after his round one victory.Credit: Getty Images
Sweeny will play big-hitting American Ben Shelton in the second round.
It wasn’t quite the fairytale ending for Australia’s top female seed Maya Joint, whose Australian Open singles debut was over in 92 minutes after she went down in straight sets to Czechia’s Tereza Valentova.
It was a frustrating performance for Joint, who was the favourite to win the match, but instead lost 6-4, 6-4 to an 18-year-old opponent who had nothing to lose.
The Australian lost in straight sets.Credit: Eddie Jim
Joint said she didn’t feel any extra pressure because of her ranking.
“I’ve gotten a lot of questions on that, and honestly, the seeding didn’t really feel anything different than to a normal tournament,” Joint said.
“I wanted to do really well here. I thought I had a good chance. So it’s definitely a bit disappointing after today, but I’ll just try and get back at it next week.”
It was a different story for fellow countrywoman Taylah Preston, who won her first grand slam match with a victory on KIA Arena on Tuesday morning.
“I think it makes it more special, having done it here at home in Australia,” Preston said.
“But obviously a first grand slam win at any grand slam is special. You know, it takes a lot of hard work, and I have been working really, really hard. It’s nice to see it somewhat pay off.”
Australian wildcard Christopher O’Connell wasn’t so lucky as he lost in a tight five-set match to American qualifier Nishesh Basavareddy.
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