The Frenchman is absolutely insane! Gael Monfils has just reminded the tennis world why he’s a fan favorite, delivering a jaw-dropping performance that proves age is just a number. After what felt like a quiet spell where he was biding his time in the shadows of the sport’s elites, Monfils has roared back in style. Monfils has had his share of challenges lately, but it seems the tide is turning, and this latest win is a testament to his resilience and flair. And in the most touching moment of the night, Monfils dedicated his victory to none other than his adorable daughter, Skai.

The French tennis legend took on Zizou Bergs in the finals of the ASB Classic and baffled him in straight sets 6-3, 6-4 to lift the title. Bergs trailed throughout the match with errors taking center stage in his play. Monfils, on the other hand, did not just win the match but also crafted history. The 38-year-old became the oldest player to win a tour-level title since 43-year-old Ken Rosewall captured the Hong Kong trophy in 1977.

Soon after whisking out Bergs, Monfils headed towards the camera and wrote “Skai,” after the match. He further shared his emotions during the post-match interview and said that he wanted to win the tournament for Skai. “She might just wake up now. It’s my second final as a dad and I’m really happy, super happy let’s say that I could win a tough final.” Remember, Monfils tied the knot with WTA Star Elina Svitolina and the duo welcomed their daughter in 2022.

Expressing his joy after winning the title, Monfils exuded confidence in his skills. “Age is a number, but we keep working, I’m still striking a good ball. Hopefully many more to come,” he said. The ASB Classic title is the first that Monfils has clinched in 447 days. His last victory came at the 2023 BNP Paribas Nordic Open in Stockholm, and hence, dedicating it to his daughter is quite an emotional moment. This, however, is not the first time that Monfils has engaged in such a delicate fatherly moment. 

The Frenchman took on Carlos Alcaraz in the second round of the Cincinnati Masters and pulled up a surprising victory, leaving the Spaniard baffled in three sets. He soon headed to the camera and in a stirring tribute, he wrote, “Bonjour Skai,” for his daughter. But besides the adorable side, the father-daughter duo also enjoy some fun moments; interestingly, there is one remarkable off-court battle that the toddler has already won against her father.

Gael Monfils admitted losing to Skai in an interesting off-court battle

Monfils may still be quite adept at turning tricks in the court. But when it comes to his daughter, the Frenchman seems to be losing already in an off-court battle of languages. After his first-round win at Cincinnati Masters, the star player engaged in an interview with Tennis Channel and acknowledged that he was inferior to his daughter when it comes to speaking English at least.

Speaking in the interview, Monfils said, “So it’s quite funny, you know, it’s quite funny to see how quick uh, she, she can adapt. You will talk to her in English she will reply you in English. I will speak French she will speak French. And family of Elina will speak Ukrainian she will talk Ukrainian.” Highlighting her immense dexterity with languages, Monfils further shared that despite not being fluent in the same yet, Skai not only understands them but also manages to ask for basic things like water or expressing her desire to sleep.“Her English is way better than mine already, which is amazing you know,” he conceded.

Despite being 38 years of age, Gael Monfils still poses a serious threat to his opponents as evidenced by his latest victory in Auckland. And now, as the 2025 season unfolds, it will be interesting to see if the proud father will be able to bring more accolades for himself and dedicate them to his ever-supportive family.