Former world number six Gael Monfils clinched a 7-6(5) 6-4 win over Nishesh Basavareddy in the Auckland Classic semi-finals on Friday to become the second-oldest player to reach an ATP Tour final since 1990.

Ivo Karlovic holds the ATP Tour record, having won through to final in Pune, India in 2019 at the age of 39 years, 311 days. Monfils edges Stan Wawrinka who was aged 38 years and 124 days when he reached the final at Umag, Croatia in 2023.

Gael Monfils became the second-oldest player in more than 30 years to reach the final of an ATP Tour event after beating American Nishesh Basavareddy 7-6 (5), 6-4 in the semifinals at Auckland on Friday.

Zizou Bergs is playing his first ATP Tour final, while Gael Monfils is competing in his 35th, at the ATP 250 in Auckland. But the Frenchman’s record in championship matches isn’t the strongest (12-22) and he’s nearing the end of his illustrious career.

When people talk about Gael Monfils, they often focus on the entertainment. They see his brilliant shots, the extravagant retrievals, the aerobic moves. They also see the moments of showmanship, the jokes and interaction with the crowd.

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Gael Monfils, at 38, has become the second oldest player in over 30 years to reach an ATP Tour final, after defeating Nishesh Basavareddy in Auckland. This marks his 35th ATP Tour final, showcasing his resilience and longevity in professional tennis despite the challenge from younger players.