An emotional Gael Monfils had made a promise to his two-year-old daughter Skai after reaching the final of the ASB Classic 2025, defeating Nishesh Basavareddy in the semifinal. “Nah I will definitely do a good recover. You know, to be honest, with adrenaline you always come for a final. So I will enjoy a bit myself, call my daughter when she is awake to tell her I’m in final. And then you know I’ll try to win another one for her,” Monfils said. Not only did he keep his promise but did that while scripting history.

Monfils defeated Zizou Bergs 6-3, 6-4. At 38 years and 132 days old, he became the oldest player to win a tour-level title, surpassing Ken Rosewall’s record from 1977 the month of his 43rd birthday. Despite the heat and a brief moment of vulnerability in the second set, the experienced Frenchman outmaneuvered the younger Bergs, showcasing superior athleticism in his first final to secure his 13th career title. And what did the father do after that?

Monfils celebrated by writing “For Skai” to the camera, dedicating the win to his 2-year-old daughter. In the post-match interview, he expressed his emotions: “She might just wake up now. It’s my second final as a dad, and I’m really happy—super happy that I could win a tough final.” While their two-year-old may not voice her pride publicly, his wife and WTA star Elina Svitolina cheered him on enthusiastically.

Svitolina shared an Instagram story celebrating Monfils’ achievement with congratulatory and love emojis like “👏🏼❤🏆” for her beau. Not only that, but she also left some “🔥🔥🔥” under ATP’s post to express the fire he brought to the court. Svitolina and Monfils got married in 2021 after they started dating in 2019. Skai was born a year after their marriage.

With this win, Monfils also ended his long winless streak in Auckland. After failing to clinch a title last year, he made it to the semifinals of both the Qatar Open and Mallorca Championships in 2024. However, his last victory came at the Stockholm Open in 2023 against Pavel Kotov, marking a winless stretch of 447 days. Now, that streak is over, Monfils’ family is thrilled to see him achieve this milestone early in the 2025 season.

Monfils, who won his first ATP Tour title in 2005, said, “Age is a number but I keep working. I keep believing that I can play high quality tennis and I’ve been showing it this week, so I’m very happy. It was 20 years ago, I still have the passion to play tennis, I still feel like I strike a very good ball, so hopefully many more to come.” The win naturally came with its increments.

Monfils is set to jump 11 places in the rankings, reaching 41st in the world, following his recent win. Next up for Monfils is the 2025 Australian Open, where he will face fellow Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in an exciting first-round match.

Top Comment by Shàw

His will is because of his family and that as nothing to do with age

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On women’s tour: In a major upset, American McCartney Kessler defeated two-time Hobart champion Elise Mertens to claim her second WTA title. Kessler, ranked 67th, overcame the 34th-ranked Belgian 6-4, 3-6, 6-0, in a thrilling final. This victory provides the 25-year-old with ideal momentum as she prepares for her Grand Slam debut in Melbourne against Zhang Shuai.

The first Grand Slam of the season poses a tough challenge for players, especially with the added pressure of potentially facing Novak Djokovic who is now working with former rival and legend Andy Murray as his coach. Monfils has previously mentioned feeling nervous about this matchup.

Frenchman surrenders to the Novak-Andy partnership ahead of Grand Slam

Announced in November 2024, Djokovic revealed that Murray would coach him at least until the end of the Australian Open. Both players expressed their enthusiasm for this unexpected partnership, with Murray sharing his happiness about being on the same side of the net for a Grand Slam. Gael Monfils believes this alliance will enhance Nole’s game and create significant challenges for his opponents.

In an interview on the Tennis Weekly Podcast on December 11, 2024, the Frenchman shared his thoughts on witnessing Murray and Djokovic together. “I was happy because Andy loves the game and the sport. Of course, he wants to be back in the sport somehow and help. Now for him to help a player, one of his biggest rivals, is great for the sport and great for him. It’s great Novak thought about him,” he said.

However, when asked if this partnership would make it tougher for him, Monfils admitted, “I think for sure [it might be tougher]. For me, it’s already tough; I have never beaten him! I don’t even think to win the next one with Andy.” With Djokovic leading their head-to-head 19-0, Monfils feels defeating him will be even more challenging now that Murray is in his camp.

As Monfils prepares for his upcoming match against Perricard at the Australian Open, it remains to be seen if he can maintain his momentum from the ASB Classic and bring the heat to Melbourne. What are your thoughts on this intriguing new dynamic? Let us know in the comments below!