Gael Monfis, 38, became the oldest ATP title holder after defeating Zizou Bergs in New Zealand.

French veteran Gael Monfils became the oldest player to win an ATP Tour title, defeating Zizou Bergès 6-3, 6-4 in Auckland.

Monfils won his 13th Tour title at the age of 38 years and 132 days, 20 years after his first. He succeeds Roger Federer, who won his last career tour title, the 2019 Swiss Indoors in Basel, at the age of 38 years and 74 days.

Currently ranked 52nd, Monfils is the oldest player ranked in the top 100 in ATP Tour history.

Pancho Gonzalez was 44 years, 7 months and 4 days old when he won the Kingston, Jamaica, singles title in 1972, before the ATP Tour was officially established in 1990.

Saturday’s Auckland final was postponed due to a medical emergency in the crowd, but Monfils displayed the same aggressiveness and tenacious defense to win his first title since the 2023 Stockholm Open.

Ahead of the Auckland tournament, Monfils spoke of how his love of tennis keeps him going.

“I love tennis. I love what I’m doing, so, of course, all the sacrifices you make, it makes it a little easier. When you love something, it’s easier to stick with it,” he said.

“I have always enjoyed playing tennis since the first day and I will still enjoy it at 60 years old. Practice it, it’s simple. It’s in the DNA. Stay in shape, it’s simple. More to come travel.”

After collecting the Auckland trophy, Monfils headed straight to the airport to fly to Melbourne, where he will face Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the first round. australian open.