Gael Monfils has targeted more success after defeating Zizou Bergs 6-3 6-4 to win the Auckland title.
The Frenchman put in an incredible display to claim his 13th career title after a straight sets win over the Belgian.
It means Monfils is the oldest man to win an ATP tour title since Ken Rosewall in 1977 at 38 years old by winning his first ATP title in 14 months.
However Monfils isn’t done yet as he has targeted more titles in his near future, “[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,” the Frenchman was quoted by the ATP website as saying in his on court interview.
“It means a lot [to win]. Age is a number. 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.”
Monfils is now projected to climb up 11 places in the rankings to 41 in the world as he heads to the Australian Open to play compatriot Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the opening round.
Meanwhile Bergs will be inside the world’s top 60 and he faces Facundo Diaz Acosta in his Australian Open opener.
Monfils’ Career Titles:
2005: ATP Sopot
2009: ATP Metz
2010: ATP Montpellier
2011: ATP Stockholm
2014: ATP Montpellier
2016: ATP Washington
2018: ATP Doha
2019: ATP Rotterdam
2020: ATP Montpellier
2020: ATP Rotterdam
2022: ATP Adelaide 1
2023: ATP Stockholm
2025: ATP Auckland
