Gael Monfils carved out a slice of tennis history on Saturday as the 38-year-old Frenchman claimed the ATP Auckland title over Belgian Zizou Bergs 6-3, 6-4.

Monfils lifted the 13th Tour title of his career and first since winning Stockholm in October, 2005.

The champion became the oldest to win a title since 43-year-old Ken Rosewall did it in Hong Kong in 1977. Roger Federer was 38 when he won his home Basel title in 2019.

No. 52 Monfils surged to victory in 93 minutes as he heads to the Australian Open in Melbourne, where he starts with young compatriot Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.

Monfils lifted the first of his 13 trophies two decades ago in Poland.

“Age is a number, but we keep working,” the winner said . “I’m still striking a good ball. Hopefully many more to come.”

Main photo:- Gael Monfils celebrates victory in Auckland – by ATTour.com

Clara Tauson claimed her first WTA title in four years on Sunday as former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka was forced to quit their final in Auckland to hand.the Dane a 4-6 victory.

Osksa could not go on due to an abdominal injury. After winning the opening set, Japan’s four-time Grand Slam winner took a medical timeout with the trainer called to the court.

After discussions, Osaka threw in the towel.

“It’s not the way you want to win any match, and especially not the final,” Tauson said. “I felt like I had some more tennis to show today.”

It was the first final for Osaka, who took a break for motherhood, since 2022: Tauson won her second career trophy in 2021 and followed in the footsteps of compatriot Caroline Wozniacki, New Zealand titleholder in 2015 and 2018.

The winner is hoping her success carriers her into Sunday’s start at the Australian Open.

“Hopefully I can back up with some great results there. It’s definitely a nice start to the season with the title, it’s my first one since 2021, so it’s been a while for me.”

Injured Simona Halep on Friday pulled the plug on her hopes of returning to tennis, with the former No. 1 pulling out of next month’s qualifying for the Australian Open.

The Romanian had been awarded a qualies wild card by Tennis Australia but will be unable to make the date due to her continuing shoulder injury.

Halep, back from a doping ban after appeal, returned to active tennis last spring but has barely lifted a racquet.

The two-time Grand Slam winner explained her situation.

“After playing (training) in Abu Dhabi, unfortunately I felt pain, once again, in my knee and shoulder.,” she said.

“After discussing it with my team, we have therefore decided to postpone the start of the season. 

“It is not what I wanted, but I would still like to thank the tournament organizers in Auckland (WTA) and Australia (qualifying) for the wildcards and I am very sorry that I cannot be with you this time. 

“I will rest with the intention of returning for the tournament in Cluj, where I will play in front of the fantastic Romanian fans”.

The Romanian event will begin February 3.