The Monfils-Svitolina family show rolls into Week 2, one after the other

Gael Monfils's final answer before walking off Margaret Court Arena carried a hint of prophecy to it. "I think I've warmed up the court for her."

- Rutvick Mehta

MUMBAI: Gael Monfils's final answer before walking off Margaret Court Arena carried a hint of prophecy to it. "I think I've warmed up the court for her."

It stayed warm enough for his wife Elina Svitolina to walk in under lights and sizzle while knocking out fourth seed Jasmine Paolini 2-6, 6-4, 6-0. This, after a red-hot Monfils had lit up the court with a 3-6, 7-5, 7-6(1), 6-4 upset victory over fourth seed Taylor Fritz.

The two accounting for the biggest upsets on paper in their respective draws to storm into the Australian Open fourth round, back-to-back on the second most prestigious court at Melbourne Park, rallying from a set down - Saturday couple dates seldom get any better.

The Frenchman flaunted some dance moves the moment he won the match point before leaving the stage for his wife to follow the lead.

"I want to say I got inspired after my husband's win," Svitolina said.