Gael Monfils made history when he became the oldest singles title winner on the ATP Tour at the ASB Classic in Auckland.
The 38-year-old Frenchman, who won his first tournament title in 20 years, defeated Zizo Burgess 6-3, 6-4 in the final.
He surpasses Roger Federer, who won his last title in Basel in 2019, as the oldest champion since the founding of the ATP Tour 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.
“Great relief,” Monfils, ranked 52nd, said. “It’s very special to get my 13th title. I don’t win very often. I’ve been playing for over 20 years, and I only ended up winning 13 times.”
Regarding his place in history, the former top-10 star added: “It’s a different record. You’re always happy to have a record but I want to do more, I want to play a little bit more, so why don’t we win a title.” A little later.”
Monfils will face his compatriot Giovanni Mpiche Pericard, who is 17 years younger than him, in the first round of the Australian Open.
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