AUCKLAND, New Zealand — In an impressive display of resilience, Gael Monfils has made history by becoming the second-oldest player to reach a final on the men’s elite tennis circuit since 1990. The French superstar triumphed over American Nishesh Basavareddy with a score of 7-6 (5), 6-4 in the semifinals, showcasing his talent at the age of 38 years and 131 days.
The record for the oldest player remains with Ivo Karlovic, who reached the final in Pune, India, at a remarkable age of 39 years and 311 days in 2019. Monfils has surpassed Stan Wawrinka, who was 38 years and 124 days old when he made it to the final in Umag, Croatia, in 2023.
Karlovic also attained the final at Den Bosch in 2017 at 38 years and 110 days old, while tennis legends Roger Federer (in Basel at 38 years and 80 days) and Rafael Nadal (2024 Swedish Open at 38 years and 48 days) complete the list of the top five oldest finalists.
Through his remarkable journey in Auckland, Monfils has made significant headlines, marking his 35th ATP Tour final. His victory over Jan-Lennard Struff propelled him to the quarterfinals, establishing him as the oldest player in the professional era to reach the last eight in Auckland.
He further set records as the oldest semifinalist in the tournament’s history, defeating Facundo Diaz Acosta 6-3, 6-1 and securing his 73rd ATP Tour semifinal; only Novak Djokovic has appeared in more.
In the final, Monfils is set to face Zizou Bergs from Belgium on Saturday.
“Everyone knows I’m a warhorse on the court; I don’t give up easily,” Monfils remarked following his semifinal victory. “I’m truly satisfied with my performance today, as it wasn’t an easy match.”
Meanwhile, 19-year-old Basavareddy has made a notable impact in Auckland, becoming the youngest American to reach an ATP Tour semifinal on hard courts since Reilly Opelka, who did so at the age of 18 in Atlanta back in 2016.
Having turned professional in December, Basavareddy comes off a standout 2024 season on the ATP Challenger Tour.
