ASB Classic 2025: Gael Monfils makes history as oldest man to win ATP title in nearly 50 years

Gael Monfils made history at the ASB Classic in Auckland on Saturday as he became the oldest man to win a tour level title since 43-year-old Ken Rosewall sealed the deal back in 1977 in Hong Kong.

The 38-year-old isn't quite at Rosewall level yet but is an impressive feat of longevity all the same. He defeated Zizou Bergs 6-3, 6-4 in the final to claim his 13th tour level title and his first since the 2023 Nordic Open in Stockholm in an incredible showcase of longevity by the Frenchman.

He raced into a 4-1 lead in 24 minutes. He capitalised throughout on an error strewn Bergs who won only 33% of his second serve points in the first set.

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The former World No.6 sealed it in one hour and 39 minutes relying on his experience to fire himself over the line with four aces, 88% of his first serve points in claiming the title.

He will now head to the Australian Open where he faces an entirely different task. He will face off against the rising Frenchman, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.

A player towards the end of their career taking on the next French talent but with the former not losing any ounce of his touch, it will certainly be one of the best first round ties given the displays of Monfils this week who continues to defy his age.

“It means a lot [to win]. Age is a number,” Monfils said in his on-court interview. “But we keep working. I keep believing that I can play high-quality tennis and I have been showing it this week so I am very happy.

“[My first title] was 20 years ago. I still have the passion to play tennis. I feel I [can] still strike the ball very well. Hopefully, many more to come,” he said.

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