Jan 11, 2025 09:43 AM IST
At 38 years and 132 days outdated, Gael Monfils surpassed Roger Federer’s document to grow to be the oldest participant to win an ATP Tour title
Gael Monfils etched his identify on the historical past books of tennis on January 11 (Saturday) by changing into the oldest participant to win an ATP Tour title. He secured a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Belgian qualifier Zizou Bergs within the Auckland Traditional remaining. At 38 years and 132 days outdated, Monfils surpassed Roger Federer’s document, which he set when he received his remaining ATP title on the Swiss Indoors in 2019 on the age of 38 years and 74 days.
Gael Monfils of France holds up the trophy after defeating Zizou Bergs of Belgium to win the boys’s singles of the ASB Traditional tennis event at Manuka Physician Enviornment in Auckland, New Zealand(AP)
Monfils’s triumph in Auckland marked his thirteenth profession title, 20 years after he claimed his first in 2005. The Frenchman displayed his trademark mix of aggressive shot-making and relentless defence, overpowering Bergs, who was contesting his first ATP remaining. Monfils broke serve early in each units and was untroubled by the younger Belgian’s makes an attempt to struggle again.
The victory is a testomony to Monfils’s enduring ardour for tennis, which he mentioned forward of the event. “I love tennis. I love what I’m doing, so all the sacrifices are easier,” Monfils mentioned. Regardless of being 38, he expressed his perception in persevering with to play at a excessive stage, saying, “I still have the passion to play tennis, I still feel like I strike a very good ball.”
Monfils celebrated his historic win with a roar and flexed his muscle mass for the group, reflecting on how age has not slowed him down. “Age is a number but I keep working,” he remarked, pleased with his achievements. His victory sees him rise to forty first within the ATP rankings, 11 locations greater than earlier than, as he now heads to Melbourne for the Australian Open.
Monfils, who received his first ATP title 20 years in the past, will face fellow Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard within the first spherical of the Australian Open. Together with his Auckland win, Monfils enters the Grand Slam with momentum, proving that age isn’t any barrier to attaining success on the highest stage of tennis.
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