MELBOURNE, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Fourth seed Taylor Fritz crashed out of the Australian Open on Saturday after being stunned by Frenchman Gael Monfils in a major third round upset.

The American was left to rue 36 unforced errors and helpless against 24 aces by the explosive Monfils, who prevailed 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (1), 6-4. The 38-year-old will next play 16th seed Lorenzo Musetti or 21st seed Ben Shelton in the last 16.

"I have a strong belief in myself, a strong belief I can still do some damage and with a little bit of luck we are in the second week of the Australian Open," said Monfils, who became the second oldest man after Roger Federer to reach the fourth round in Melbourne.

Fritz's bid for a maiden Grand Slam title will have to wait after he was left shellshocked at Margaret Court Arena.

"It was a tough match, a really good match from him. He served incredibly and returned my serve really well," Fritz told reporters.

Having reached his first major final at last year's US Open, 27-year-old Fritz arrived in Melbourne as a leading title contender.

His growing confidence was underlined by a red-hot start at Melbourne Park, losing just eight games across his opening two matches. Fritz, however, was wary against in-form Monfils, who won an ATP Tour singles title in Auckland ahead of the tournament.

But Fritz seemed in control when he was handed the only break of the opening set when Monfils' double faulted.

Monfils, however, was undaunted and his powerful serve started flustering Fritz as he drew level.

Fritz appeared in trouble in the middle of the third set when he needed treatment for his right foot. He battled on before Monfils rewound the clock to dominate the tiebreak with spectacular groundstrokes.

Fritz would not roll over, but an unstoppable Monfils broke in the ninth game of fourth set before sealing a memorable upset. Enditem

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