Gael Monfils etched his name in history by becoming the oldest singles champion on the ATP Tour, securing his 13th career title at the Auckland Classic on Saturday.
The 39-year-old Frenchman defeated Belgian qualifier Zizou Bergs 6-3, 6-4, surpassing Roger Federer’s record as the oldest ATP title winner.
Federer was two months younger when he claimed the Swiss Indoors in 2019.
Monfils, who won his first ATP title in 2005, celebrated the victory with his signature flair, thrilling the crowd.
“Age is just a number,” Monfils said. “I still love the game, and I’m showing I can play at a high level.”
With this win, Monfils rises to 41st in the world rankings and takes strong momentum into the Australian Open, where he faces fellow Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the first round.
