Gaël Monfils Becomes Oldest ATP Tour Winner in Auckland

AUCKLAND, New Zealand — French tennis star Gaël Monfils made history Saturday by becoming the oldest player to win an ATP Tour singles title, claiming victory at the ASB Classic in Auckland at 38 years and four months old. Monfils defeated Belgium’s Zizou Bergs 6-3, 6-4 in the final, securing his 13th tour-level title and surpassing Roger Federer’s previous record set in 2019.

“It means a lot to win. Age is a number,” Monfils said in his on-court interview. “But we keep working. I keep believing that I can play high-quality tennis, and I have been showing it this week. I am very happy.”

Monfils, currently ranked No. 52 in the world, broke Bergs early in the first set and maintained control throughout the match. Bergs struggled with his second serve, winning only 33% of those points, while Monfils showcased his signature blend of aggression and defensive prowess. The final was briefly delayed due to a medical emergency in the crowd, but Monfils remained focused to clinch his first title since the 2023 Stockholm Open.

This victory marks Monfils’ first title in over a year and comes two decades after his first ATP Tour win in 2005. At 38 years and 132 days, he is now two months older than Federer was when the Swiss legend won his final title in Basel in 2019. Monfils is also the oldest player in ATP Tour history to be ranked in the top 100.

Reflecting on his longevity, Monfils credited his passion for the sport. “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,” he said before the tournament. “I’ve been enjoying myself since the first day I played tennis, and at 60 years old, I will still have this joy.”

Both Monfils and Bergs will now shift their focus to the Australian Open. Monfils is set to face 21-year-old compatriot Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the first round, while Bergs will take on Argentina’s Facundo Díaz Acosta.

Monfils’ career has been defined by his athleticism and flair on the court. He reached a career-high ranking of No. 6 in 2016 and has remained a fan favorite for his entertaining style of play. His latest achievement adds another milestone to a career that has spanned more than two decades.