AUCKLAND, Jan 10, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - The 38-year-old Gael Monfils swept aside
an opponent half his age on Friday to reach the final of the Auckland
Classic, setting up a shot at his 13th title.

The Frenchman beat American qualifier Nishesh Basavareddy 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 in
their semi-final to become the second-oldest men's singles finalist at any
event since the ATP Tour began in 1990.

Monfils capitalised on opportunities better than his 19-year-old opponent,
converting his only break point of the match late in the second set.

He said he was relieved to reach a 35th career final to kick-start his 21st
year on tour, hoping it sets him up well for the Australian Open in Melbourne
starting Sunday.

"I'm very happy. This kid has a bright future in front of him, he pushed me
to the limit," said Monfils, who faces fellow Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi
Perricard in the first round of the Australian Open.

Saturday's Auckland final will pit the unseeded world number 52 against
either seventh-seeded Portuguese Nuno Borges or unseeded Belgian Zizou Bergs.