Gael Monfils Defies Time to Make ATP History in Auckland
Locker Room
January 11, 2025
Gael Monfils has been one of the most entertaining players on the planet for decades.
His romance with fellow tennis star Elina Svitolina has touched many hearts too.
Now he has made history – and marked it with a simple message for someone on the other side of the world.
He wrote two loving words on an Auckland television camera: “For Skai.”
His young daughter will be able to remember Monfils as a winner – and the oldest man to take a title since the ATP Tour was given its name.
Gael defeated Zizou Bergs 6-3, 6-4 at the ASB Classic and said: ‘No one wants me to stop playing. I will continue.’
Gael Monfils could carry on wowing the crowds with his fitness and athleticism at Wimbledon 2025 too.
At 38 years and four months old his appetite for success – and the sheer joy he feels on a tennis court – remain undiminished.
Gael explained: ‘It means a lot to win. Age is a number. I keep believing that I can play high-quality tennis. I have been showing it this week and I am very happy.
‘My first title was twenty years ago. I still have the passion to play tennis. Hopefully many more titles to come.’
On his daughter Skai back in Europe, he speculated: ‘She might wake up now. It’s my second final as a dad and I’m really happy. Super happy that I could win a tough final.’
Roger Federer was more than a month younger when he won Basel. And not since Ken Rosewall took a tour-level title in 1977 has anyone defied time quite so extremely.
Pancho Gonzales won Kingston at the age of 44 back in 1972 – but the ATP Tour wasn’t established until 1990. That makes Monfils king of the modern oldies.
Gael Monfils is a treasure to be cherished at Wimbledon 2025 – along with the legendary Novak Djokovic.
Meanwhile there were other seasoned stars tasting glory Down Under this weekend. Madison Keys held her nerve and served better than Jessica Pegula for a 6-3, 4-6, 6-1 victory over her fellow American. That earned veteran Keys the Adelaide International.
And Felix Auger-Aliassime claimed the men’s title with an absorbing 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 win over Seb Korda.
Now the Australian Open is about to kick off the Grand Slam season in Melbourne. It’s an exciting time of year. But Wimbledon 2025 is the one we’re all waiting for.
Will you be there on Centre Court to see the most charismatic stars compete for the biggest prize of them all? Just give us a call to make it happen.