Gael Monfils turns into the oldest ATP Tour champion by profitable in Auckland

Gael Monfils made historical past by turning into the oldest winner of an ATP Tour singles title with victory on the ASB Basic in Auckland.

France’s Monfils beat Belgium’s Zizou Bergs 6-3 6-4 within the ultimate to win his thirteenth tour-level title.

At 38 years and 4 months previous, Monfils has develop into the oldest champion for the reason that ATP Tour was established in 1990.

Roger Federer of Switzerland who beforehand held the report – was 38 years and two months previous when he received the Basel title in 2019.

“It means so much. Age is a quantity,” stated Monfils.

“However we hold working. I all the time imagine that I can play good tennis and I have been displaying it this week so I am very pleased.”

Victory in Auckland additionally noticed Monfils develop into the oldest man to win a tour-level title since 43-year-old Ken Rosewall received in Hong Kong in 1977.

“I do not win a lot. I have been taking part in for over 20 years and I’ve solely received 13 instances,” stated Monfils.

The world quantity 52, who received his first title in 2005, will now journey to Melbourne for the Australian Open, which begins on Sunday.

Monfils faces 21-year-old rising star Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard within the first spherical match in France.