ATP
Monfils writes some tennis history with NZ title
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