Gael Monfils will compete in his 35th ATP final in Auckland. The veteran lost to Novak Djokovic in Brisbane at the beginning of the season and found himself in a tough position in the first match in Auckland. However, hebounced back and reached the title clash.
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Thus, Monfils wrote history books. At 38 years and four months, Gael became the second-oldest ATP finalist since the start of the ATP Tour in 1990! The Frenchman stands behind Ivo Karlovic. He left behind some massive names, which illustrates his achievement!
Gael stands above Stan Wawrinka, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, a record you do not achieve every day!
Monfils could have missed the record. He trailed 6-1, 5-2 against Pedro Martinez in the first round. The Frenchman overcame a huge deficit and claimed the opener with a break in the middle of the decider. The veteran ousted Jan-Lennard Struff in the second round.
He toppled Facundo Diaz Acosta in the quarter-final and faced the young American,Nishesh Basavareddy. Gael scored a 7-6, 6-4 victory in an hour and 46 minutes after playing better in the pivotal moments.
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He bookeda place in his 35th ATP final and becamethe ninth player in the Open era to achieve that after turning 38! Monfils collected at least one ATP final between 2005 and 2023. He ended an impressive streak in 2024 before starting the new one at the beginning of 2025.
Basavareddy had his chances in his first ATP semi-final. The young gun served well until the closing stages of the second set. He faced only two break points in the only loose serve game and suffered a break that cost him dearly.
Nishesh lost only 15 points in his games and had an opportunity to emerge at the top. He wasted game points in three consecutive return games in the opener. Monfils claimed it in the tie break and gained confidence.
The veteran defended two break points in the second set and claimed a decisive break at 4-4 that sent him over the top. Gael will chase the trophy against a qualifier Zizou Bergs, seeking his first ATP title since Stockholm 2023.
