Gael Monfils made history after beating Zizou Bergs to win the ASB Classic.
After losing to fellow tour veteran and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in Brisbane, the Frenchman travelled to Auckland to get some more matches in ahead of the Australian Open.
He certainly made the most of his trip as he produced some fine tennis to capture the 13th title of his long career.
Just four months after turning 38, Monfils is showing no signs of showing down and the New Zealand crowd were thrilled to see him lift the title.
Gael Monfils breaks Roger Federer following ASB Classic triumph
Gael Monfils contested the ASB Classic championship match against the hard-hitting Zizou Bergs.
The Belgian was playing in his first final and it showed. He made multiple errors in set one, where he won just 33 per cent of second-serve points. Monfils opened up a 4-1 lead in 25 minutes before wrapping up the first set.
Unlike his opponent, Monfils served well, winning 8 percent of first serve throughout the encounter, which he claimed 6-3 6-4 in one hour and 37 minutes.
In the process Monfils became the oldest player to win an ATP Tour title. He did so at the age of 38 years and four months, breaking Roger Federer’s record.
The Swiss Maestro was 38 years and two months old when he claimed the final title of his career at the Basel Open in October 2019.
Going back before the ATP Tour was founded in 1990, Monfils also became the oldest tour-level champion since 1977.
Gael Monfils reacts after winning the ASB Classic
Monfils was elated after winning his first title since 2023 and his second since becoming a father.
During his post-match interview, the two-time Grand Slam semi-finalist had a message for his daughter Skai and spoke about his desire to keep playing tennis.
“She maybe just woke up now. It’s the 2nd final as a dad. I’m happy,” he said. “Super happy that I could win a tough final. It means a lot. Age is a number. We keep working. We keep working and I keep believing I can play high quality tennis. I’m very happy.”
Monfils, who won his first title 20 years ago in Sopot, added: “No one wants me to stop. I don’t want to stop but one day I will have to.
“I still have the faith and belief I can produce good tennis and I still enjoy myself. Some moments are hard to be honest.
“It’s never easy to leave your daughter in Europe and you’re here hitting tennis balls even if it’s fun. At the end of the day I feel blessed. I do something I love. I’m still fit. My family is behind me. Great week. I feel like I need to keep playing tennis.”
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