Gael Monfils is like a fine wine - he gets better with age! The 38-year-old will compete in his 35th ATP final in Auckland following a 7-6, 6-4 victory over the young American Nishesh Basavareddy in an hour and 46 minutes.

Former world number six Gael Monfils clinched a 7-6(5) 6-4 win over Nishesh Basavareddy in the Auckland Classic semi-finals on Friday to become the second-oldest player to reach an ATP Tour final since 1990.

Gael Monfils turns 39 this year. After numerous injuries and setbacks, the French veteran is still eager to perform at his best and chase ATP titles, at least the small ones. Gael is playing well at this week's ATP 250 event in Auckland.

At 38, Gael Monfils has become the second oldest player since 1990 to reach a men's elite tennis tour final, surpassing Stan Wawrinka in age records. Monfils advanced to his 35th ATP Tour final in Auckland by defeating Nishesh Basavareddy and will face Zizou Bergs in the final.

Ivo Karlovic holds the ATP Tour record, having won through to final in Pune, India in 2019 at the age of 39 years, 311 days. Monfils edges Stan Wawrinka who was aged 38 years and 124 days when he reached the final at Umag, Croatia in 2023.

Frenchman Monfils has been breaking records steadily in Auckland to reach his 35th ATP Tour final. When he beat Jan-Lennard Struff to reach the quarter-finals, he became the oldest player in the professional era to make the last eight in Auckland.

The ATP ASB Classic semifinals are set in Auckland and what an incredible lineup of players we have. From 38-year-old Gael Monfils to 19-year-old Nishesh Basavareddy, with Zizou Bergs and Nuno Borges in between.

Gael Monfils pulled the proverbial rabbit out of the hat at his ASB Classic semifinal match against Nishesh Basavareddy . Monfils won the match in two extremely close and competitive sets, 7-6, 6-4. Only a few points separated the two players.