Melbourne, Jan 16 (Reporter) Taylor Fritz displayed his growing dominance in men’s tennis, cruising into the third round of the Australian Open 2025 with a commanding 6-2, 6-1, 6-0 victory over Chilean qualifier Cristian Garin on Day 5. The American, ranked world No.4, has dropped only eight games across his first two matches, cementing his status as a strong contender. The 25-year-old’s clinical performance at Margaret Court Arena saw him win 92% of points on his first serve, break Garin seven times, and set up a third-round clash with veteran Frenchman Gael Monfils. Fritz also announced his decision to donate his first-round prize money of AUD 132,000 to support victims of the Los Angeles wildfires. “Southern California has been my home forever,” Fritz said. “I feel like if you're in a place to help, then you should.” Meanwhile, Monfils, at 38, continued to defy age and odds, defeating Germany’s Daniel Altmaier 7-5, 6-3, 7-6(3). Fresh off his title win in Auckland, Monfils is only the fourth man aged 38 or older to reach the third round at Melbourne Park since 1988. “I’m just surfing on the moment,” Monfils remarked after the match. In other matches, Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca’s remarkable run came to an end against Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego in a five-set thriller, 6-7(8), 6-3, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3. The 18-year-old, who stunned Andrey Rublev in the first round, saw his 14-match winning streak halted. American Frances Tiafoe, battling the after-effects of his grueling first-round win, succumbed to Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan in another five-set battle, 6-7(3), 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1. However, compatriot Ben Shelton advanced with a four-set win over Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta, 6-3, 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-4. Other notable results included Lorenzo Musetti’s straight-sets victory over Denis Shapovalov, Miomir Kecmanovic’s upset of No.18 seed Hubert Hurkacz, and Alex Michelsen’s maiden third-round berth at a Grand Slam. Day 6 promises more action as top seeds and rising stars continue their quest for glory in Melbourne...////...