Aussie world No.182 Dane Sweeny collapses after epic four-hour clash with Gael Monfils

Australian qualifier Dane Sweeny has won a four-set epic against French veteran Gael Monfils in the first round of the Australian Open.

Both men threw everything at each other, with the Aussie diving at every ball, so much so he collapsed after winning the final point in the 6-7(3), 7-5, 6-4, 7-5 win.

It proved to be a moment of both elation and exhaustion.

READ MORE: Seed falls but hottest Aussie group this century dazzles

READ MORE: The truth behind 'awkward' on-court interviews

READ MORE: Dokic's plea to Demon's fiancée after nightmare 90-spot tumble

The 39-year-old French showman was equally drained, hunching over with his racquet the only thing holding him up at stages of the battle.

And that exhaustion appeared to give Sweeny an advantage in the middle two sets, with Monfils struggling to chase balls at different points.

The world No.182 looked in full control during the third set as the parochial Melbourne crowd roared in his favour.

Watch the Australian Open live & free on the 9Network & 9Now. Stan Sport is the only place to watch every match ad-free, live & on demand with centre court in 4K.

However, the two-time Australian Open quarter finalist found a second wind in the fourth set, breaking the Aussie and looking ready to take the match to a fifth.

But Sweeny dug deep and flipped things back his way, ending the near-four-hour contest with some of his best tennis of the evening.

Sweeny was relentless, skidding across the court to get to every ball and give himself a chance, culminating in his first grand slam victory.

The 24-year-old will earn $225,000 prize money from making the second round, which would account for nearly 50 per cent of his existing career earnings.

Tournament director Craig Tiley made his way onto ANZ Arena in the aftermath to honour the eliminated Monfils, in what was his 20th Australian Open appearance.

As the ceremony began, the crowd erupted into a rhythmic chant for the 39-year-old, who is expected to retire from professional tennis this year.

"Thank you so much," Monfils said.

"I mean, for me, my journey started in 2003 with you guys [when I] came here [for the] first time [in juniors]. Now we are in 2026, and somehow it's the finish line.

"But thank you so much for this amazing ride. You guys have been unbelievable."

Monfils has had an incredible career, turning pro at 17 back in 2004 and earning $36m in prize money across 22 years.

Sweeny will now face eighth seed Ben Shelton from the US in the second round.

He joins the largest contingent of Aussies making the second round of the Australian Open in the 21st century.