Standing the test of time: Gael Monfils becomes third oldest player in top 100 of ATP Rankings

Gael Monfils became the third oldest player in the top 100 after winning the title at the Stockholm Open.

The Frenchman had a slow start in the final against Russia's Pavel Kotov (119th), who won the first set 6-4. The match remained closely contested, and the second set had to be decided via a tie-break, where Monfils managed to stay solid and won the set 7-6(6).

In the decisive set, the 37-year-old French player showcased his best shots, ultimately winning the match with a score of 4-6, 7-6, and 6-3.

Monfils endured, fought, worked hard, and reaped the ultimate reward. He executed a tremendous comeback to claim the top prize. Additionally, there's an added sentimental value as it's his first trophy since becoming a father.

On his path to the title, Monfils defeated Hungary's Marton Fucsovics (52nd), Austria's Filip Misolic (181st), France's Adrian Mannarino (24th), Serbia's Laslo Djere (35th), and the aforementioned Kotov in the final match.

Monfils' outstanding performance in Sweden allowed him to climb more than 50 positions, returning to the top 100 after 10 months. The former world No. 6 is now the third oldest player in the top 100 at 37 years old, behind only world No. 69 Richard Gasquet (37 years old) and world No. 45 Stan Wawrinka (38 years old).

Furthermore, Monfils achieved a remarkable milestone shared only by Rafael Nadal and Jimmy Connors in the history of tennis. These three players are the only ones to reach at least one final in 19 consecutive seasons.

There will be no rest for Monfils after winning his 12th title, as he has traveled to Austria for the Vienna Open, where he will make his debut against Germany's Daniel Altmaier (54th).

Furthermore, the following week, he will participate in the Paris Masters 1000, where he received a wildcard entry from the organizers.