AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Gael Monfils became the second oldest player ... Ivo Karlovic holds the ATP Tour record, having won through to final in Pune, India in 2019 at the age of 39 years ...
Gael Monfils became the second-oldest player in more than 30 years to reach the final of an ATP Tour event after beating American Nishesh Basavareddy 7-6 (5), 6-4 in the semifinals at Auckland on Friday.
When people talk about Gael Monfils, they often focus on the entertainment. They see his brilliant shots, the extravagant retrievals, the aerobic moves. They also see the moments of showmanship, the jokes and interaction with the crowd.
Gael Monfils became the second-oldest player since 1990 to reach a final on the men's elite tennis tour after beating American Nishesh Basavareddy 7-6 (5), 6-4 in the semifinals at Auckland on Friday aged 38 years,
Gael Monfils has become the second-oldest player since 1990 to reach a final on the men's elite tennis tour. The veteran Frenchman beat American Nishesh Basavareddy 7-6 (5), 6-4 in the semifinals at Auckland on Friday.
Frenchman Monfils has been breaking records steadily in Auckland to reach his 35th ATP Tour final. When he beat Jan-Lennard Struff to reach the quarter-finals, he became the oldest player in the professional era to make the last eight in Auckland.
Monfils was struggling with a back injury at the start of the fourth set as Ben Shelton advanced to the quarter-finals
At the same time, it is worth noting that – with this retirement – Monfils has become the player with the most retirements and walkovers in Open Era together with German Tommy Haas. Both are 33, ahead of Nikolay Davydenko and Philipp Kohlschreiber in this particular ranking.
Speaking on the court after the win, Monfils and the crowd were reminded that Monfils’s wife, No. 28 seed Elina Svitolina, would be next to play at Margaret Court Arena, facing off against No. 4 Jasmine Paolini.
Gael Monfils (R) hugs Taylor Fritz after the men s singles 3rd round match between Taylor Fritz of the United States and Gael Monfils of France at Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 18, 2025. / IMAGO / Xinhua
Gael Monfils broke another oldest-ever record as he stunned world No 4 Taylor Fritz to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open. Rallying from a set down, world No 41 Monfils shocked fourth seed and title contender Fritz 3-6,
Welcome to the Australian Open briefing, where will explain the stories behind the stories on each day of the tournament. On day nine, Gael Monfils’ magical run came to a close as remarkable exploits caught up to players all over Melbourne Park.