Gael Monfils, the 38-year-old French tennis star, defeated Belgian qualifier Zizou Bergs 6-3, 6-4 to win the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand.
With this victory, Monfils earned his 13th ATP Tour title and became the oldest champion in the tournament’s history, a record dating back to 1990. The win capped a stunning week of tennis for Monfils, who demonstrated resilience and experience to outlast younger opponents.
Monfils’ journey to the title was anything but smooth. In his first-round match against Pedro Martinez, he was on the brink of defeat, trailing 6-1, 5-2, before mounting an incredible comeback. That set was the only one he lost all week, as he cruised through his next four matches in straight sets.
In the final, Monfils delivered a commanding performance against Bergs, who was competing in his first ATP final. Monfils broke Bergs’ serve early and kept the pressure on, capitalising on the Belgian’s struggles with accuracy. Bergs hit over 40 unforced errors during the match, while Monfils stayed composed despite his own fatigue.
The pivotal moments came late in the second set when Monfils faced multiple break points but held his nerve to save all of them. His clutch serving and ability to win key points ensured he never lost his lead.
Monfils’ victory is a testament to his enduring skill and determination, proving that age is no barrier to success in tennis. For Zizou Bergs, the final marked a valuable experience and a sign of promise for his future on the ATP Tour.
