January 12, 2025
Forward of the event, Monfils informed reporters that though his love of the sport is what retains him aggressive, he has much less love for the grind of touring
French veteran skilled tennis participant Gael Monfils made historical past when he claimed his thirteenth ATP tour title on Jan. 11 at 38 years and 112 days outdated, breaking the file previously held by Roger Federer when he gained an ATP Tour title at 38 years and 74 days outdated.
Based on ESPN, Monfils dispatched Zizou Bergs in straight units, 6-3, 6-4 at Auckland’s ASB Traditional.
Together with his historic win, Monfils additionally made extra historical past, he’s at present ranked quantity 52 on the planet, and is the oldest participant within the historical past of the ATP Tour to be ranked within the prime 100.
Earlier than the formation of the ATP Tour in 1990, Pancho Gonzales gained a singles title in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1972 on the tender age of 44 years, seven months, and 4 days outdated, making him the oldest man to ever win a singles title in historical past. The most recent win for Monfils comes 20 years after he gained his first title in Sopot, Poland, in 2005.
Forward of the event, Monfils informed reporters that though his love of the sport is what retains him aggressive, he has much less love for the grind of touring.
“I like tennis. I like what I’m doing so after all all of the sacrifices you do, they’re somewhat bit simpler. Once you love one thing, it’s simpler to maintain pushing. I’ve been having fun with myself for the reason that first day I performed tennis and [at] 60 years outdated I’ll nonetheless have this pleasure. Observe, it’s straightforward. It’s within the DNA. Keep in form, it’s straightforward. It’s extra the journey.”
Based on The Athletic, Monfils, who’s married to WTA Tour participant Elina Svitolina, devoted his win to the pair’s daughter, Skai.
“Age is a quantity, however we hold working, I’m nonetheless hanging an excellent ball. Hopefully many extra to come back.” Relating to his daughter, Monfils mentioned, “She would possibly simply get up now. It’s my second last as a dad and I’m actually joyful, tremendous joyful let’s say that I might win a troublesome last.”
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