“I'm going to try to win another one for my daughter”: at 38, Gaël Monfils reaches a final for the 35th time in his career

At 38, Gaël Monfils beat Nishesh Basavareddy, who is half his age, on Friday January 10 in Auckland to reach the 35th final of his career and aim for a 13th title.

Just before the start of the Australian Open, where Monfils will play in the first round against his young French compatriot Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, the veteran appeared in form in neighboring New Zealand to defeat the American in straight sets, 7-6 [5], 6-4.

The Frenchman, former world No. 6 now ranked 52nd, becomes the second oldest player to reach a final on the circuit since the creation of the ATP Tour in 1990 – behind Croatian Ivo Karlovic in 2019 in Pune, at 39.

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Monfils was better able to seize opportunities than his 19-year-old opponent, ranked 133rd in the world, converting the only break point of the match at the end of the second set. “La Monf” saved five break points.

35th final for Monfils

Happy to reach the 35th final of his career to start his 21st year on the circuit, Monfils hopes that this will be good preparation for the Australian Open, which begins Sunday in Melbourne.

“I'm very happy. This kid has a bright future ahead of him, he pushed me to my limits, he said. I'll tell my daughter I'm in the final when she wakes up and I'll try to win another one for her.”

He will face Belgian Zizou Bergs (66th) in the final, who is aiming for a first title at 25 after beating Portuguese Nuno Borges in the semi-final.