In a stunning display of longevity and tenacity, 38-year-old Gael Monfils has become the second-oldest player in over three decades to reach the final of an ATP Tour event. The ageless Frenchman defied his years and doubters alike in battling past American upstart Nishesh Basavareddy 7-6(5), 6-4 to advance to the championship match at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand.
Monfils, at 38 years and 131 days young, trails only Ivo Karlovic as the most senior player to grace an ATP final in recent memory. The big-serving Croatian was 39 years and 311 days old when he finished runner-up in Pune, India back in 2019. Now, it’s the charismatic Monfils’ turn to demonstrate that age is merely a number when heart and skill remain in abundance.
The former world No. 6 has been rewriting record books with each passing round in Auckland. His quarterfinal victory over Jan-Lennard Struff made him the oldest player in the professional era to reach that stage at the event. One win later, and he became the tournament’s most senior semifinalist as well. Monfils now stands on the precipice of an even more momentous achievement – becoming the ATP Tour’s oldest titlist in over 40 years.
A Warrior’s Mentality
Monfils credits his longevity to an indomitable spirit and unbreakable will. After edging the valiant Basavareddy, who at 19 became the youngest American semifinalist on hard courts since Reilly Opelka in 2016, Monfils reflected on his timeless approach to the game he loves.
“Everybody knows I’m a warrior on the court, I don’t give up easy. I’m very pleased with the way I got through today, it wasn’t easy.”
Gael Monfils
The Frenchman’s unique blend of athleticism, shotmaking flair, and dogged determination have long made him a fan favorite across the globe. Even as the years tick by, his passion for the game shines brightly under the Auckland sun.
Defying Father Time
Monfils’ age-defying exploits in New Zealand are all the more remarkable considering the physical demands of modern tennis. In an era where the ATP Tour is dominated by twentysomething stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Stefanos Tsitsipas, the Frenchman is proving that experience and guile can still trump youthful exuberance.
Consider this – Monfils’ upcoming final appearance will be his 35th at tour-level, a testament to his consistency and ability to evolve with the times. Among active players, only the legendary Novak Djokovic has reached more championship matches. Not bad company for a man first written off as an entertaining sideshow in his younger years.
Now, with a chance to lift his 12th career trophy and first since Rotterdam in early 2020, Monfils is on the cusp of a fitting reward for his unwavering commitment to the sport. Standing across the net will be Belgian qualifier Zizou Bergs, a bright young talent in his own right but one who was barely out of diapers when Monfils turned pro way back in 2002.
The Monfils Legacy
Regardless of Saturday’s result, Monfils’ late-career renaissance serves as an inspiration to aging players and fans around the world. His infectious smile, flamboyant style, and never-say-die attitude have made him one of the game’s most beloved figures for nearly two decades.
As he continues to turn back the clock in Auckland, Monfils is rekindling memories of other ageless wonders who defied conventional wisdom about the age limits of tennis success. Players like Jimmy Connors, who reached the US Open semifinals at 39, or the legendary Ken Rosewall, who won titles at 43.
Yet even those icons would marvel at Monfils’ staying power in today’s brutally physical game. Through a combination of relentless training, smart scheduling, and an unquenchable love for competition, the Frenchman has managed to maintain an elite level well into his thirties. His Auckland heroics are merely the latest chapter in a remarkable tale of sporting longevity.
So as Monfils strides onto center court for Saturday’s final, he does so not just as a wily veteran chasing one more moment of glory. He represents something far greater – the indomitable spirit of a true athlete, one who refuses to let age define him or diminish his boundless passion for the game. Win or lose, Gael Monfils has already secured his place among tennis’ all-time ageless wonders.
