Gael Monfils became the oldest winner of an ATP Tour singles title when he triumphed at the ASB Classic in Auckland.
The 38-year-old defeated Belgium’s Zizou Bergs 6-3 6-4 in the final to cap off an exceptional tournament ahead of the start of the Australian Open on Sunday.
Monfils’ victory is history-making, and the Frenchman replaces Roger Federer, who won his final title in Basel in 2019 at the age of 38 years and 74 days, as the oldest champion since the ATP was formed in 1990.
He is also the oldest man to win a tour-level singles title since 43-year-old Australian Ken Rosewall in Hong Kong in 1977. Monfils was 38 years and 132 days old when he claimed his 13th tour title which comes 20 years after winning his first one.
Ahead of the tournament, the Frenchman spoke about his motivation to keep playing and said: “I love tennis.
“I love what I’m doing so of course all the sacrifices you do, they are a little bit easier. When you love something, it’s easier to keep pushing,
“I’ve been enjoying myself since the first day I played tennis and (at) 60 years old I will still have this joy. Practice, it’s easy. It’s in the DNA. Stay in shape, it’s easy. It’s more the travel.”
Following his victory in New Zealand, Monfils moved up to 52nd in the world rankings and is the oldest player inside the top 100.
On his victory he added: "Big satisfaction. It’s very special having this 13th title. I don’t win a lot. It’s been more than 20 years I’ve been playing and it’s just 13 times I ended up winning.
“It’s a different record. You’re always pleased to have a record, but I want to do more, I want to play a little bit more, so why not win a little bit later on."
Monfils will take on Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, who is 17 years his junior, in the first round of the Australian Open.
