I don’t give up easy’: Gael Monfils topples records as Auckland Classic title battle with teen star looms

Gael Monfils has etched his way into the history books as the second-oldest player to reach the final of an ATP Tour event after qualifying for the Auckland Classic title match.

Monfils defeated America’s Nishesh Basavareddy in straight sets 7-6(5), 6-4 to advance to the final in Auckland, in what also earned him a spot in history.

The oldest player to ever make a final in an ATP Tour event was Ivo Karlovic in India in 2019. The Croatian was 39 years and 311 days old.Aged 38 years and 311 days old, Monfils time in Auckland was filled with history-making moments.When the Frenchman defeated Jan-Lennard Struff to reach the quarterfinals he became the oldest player in the professional era to reach the final eight.

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He then became the oldest player to progress to the semi finals in Auckland after defeating Facundo Diaz Acosta in straight sets.

The match against Diaz Acosta marked Monfils’ 73rd ATP Tour semi final. The only other player to have featured in more ATP semi finals is Novak Djokovic.Bergs also made history at the event in Auckland, becoming the youngest American since Reilly Opelka to reach an ATP-level semi final on the hard courts.

Opelka achieved the feat at age 18 in Atlanta in 2016.

“Everybody knows I’m a warrior on the court, I don’t give up easy,” Monfils said.

“I’m very pleased with the way I got through today, it wasn’t easy.

“The true fans know, that’s the way I am. I love defence and I feel like from day one if you ask anyone who knows me and tennis really well they will never tell you I’m an offensive player. I’m good in defense.

“It’s the way I’ve been blessed by the one upstairs.”

The Auckland Classic title contest will be Monfils’ 35th at tour level.