By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday January 10, 2025
Gael Monfils took out Zizou Bergs in Auckland to become the oldest tour-level title winer in 48 years.
Photo Source: TTV
The man, the myth, the mythical. Gael Monfils is so many things to so many tennis fans, and now the flamboyant Frenchman can add ageless to his calling card.
38-year-old Monfils became the oldest tour-level champion since 43-year-old Ken Rosewall won Hong Kong in 1977, defeating first-time ATP finalist Zizou Bergs 6-3, 6-4 for his 13th ATP title.
It was pretty smooth sailing for Monfils for much of the match but he encountered significant headwinds late in the second set from Bergs as he saved break points in his final three service games to keep Bergs at bay. Monfils saved three break points while serving at 3-2 and another three while serving for the match at 5-4.
He saved all ten break points he faced in the match and broke once in each set to earn the title.
Afterwards he signed the camera “SKAI” – a tribute to his daughter (with wife Elina Svitolina), who is home in Europe.
Monfils will head to the Australian Open where he is set to face Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in round one.