Gael Monfils made history when he became the oldest singles title winner on the ATP Tour with victory at the ASB Classic in Auckland.
Frenchman Monfils defeated Belgian Zizo Berges 6-3, 6-4 in the final to win his 13th championship title.
At 38 years and four months, Monfils became the oldest singles champion since the founding of the ATP Tour in 1990.
The great Swiss Roger Federer previously held the record, as he was 38 years and two months old when he won the Basel title in 2019.
“It means a lot. Age is a number,” Monfils said.
He added: “But we continue to work. I still believe that I can play high-quality tennis and I showed that this week, so I am very happy.”
After winning in Auckland, Monfils also became the oldest man to win a major title since 43-year-old Ken Rosewall, who won it in Hong Kong in 1977.
Monfils added, “I don't win often. I have been playing for more than 20 years and have only won 13 times.”
The world number 52, who won his first title in 2005, will travel to Melbourne to participate in the Australian Open, which begins on Sunday.
Monfils faces 21-year-old rising star Giovanni Mpiche Pericard in an all-French first-round match.
