In this week's edition, Gael Monfils maintains his stellar play in the month of February as he cruises to the title in Rotterdam, while establishing a nine-match winning streak.

After claiming a record-tying third title in Montpellier, Monfils entered Rotterdam as the defending champion. The Frenchman was hoping to be the first player since Robin Soderling in 2011 to successfully defend his Rotterdam title.

Monfils defeated Portugal's Joao Sousa 6-3 6-2 in the opening round, as top seed Daniil Medvedev fell to Vasek Pospisil. The Frenchman then faced compatriot Gilles Simon in the second round, prevailing 6-4 6-1 in an hour and a half.

The 2019 champion faced a sterner test in Britain's Dan Evans but overcame a sluggish start to escape with a 7-6(5) 6-2 victory. With other top seeds falling en route to the quarterfinals, Monfils was the highest-seeded player in the semifinals. The third seed faced Serbian Filip Krajinovic in an exciting semifinal, battling past the youngster 6-4 7-6(5) to reach his second consecutive final in as many weeks.

Canadian star Felix Auger-Aliassime was the final test for the Frenchman. Auger-Aliassime had fought past Grigor Dimitrov and Pablo Carreno Busta to reach the final, becoming the youngest Rotterdam finalist in history.

Perhaps nerves got the better of the #NextGenATP superstar, as Auger-Aliassime committed numerous errors while Monfils played with more experience. The Frenchman was patient from the baseline, eventually forcing his younger counterpart into errant shots from his forehand. Monfils capitalized on four break points before finally clinching the match 6-2 6-4 to claim his second consecutive Rotterdam trophy.

By virtue of this victory, the 33-year old had not only won his 10th career ATP title but also claimed a second ATP title in the same season for the first time. The World No.9 was having a month to remember, and began having aspirations of reaching the Top 5 and winning his first Grand Slam trophy.

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