Gael Monfils became the second-oldest player in more than 30 years to reach the final of an ATP Tour event after beating American Nishesh Basavareddy 7-6 (5), 6-4 in the semifinals at Auckland on Friday.

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.

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.

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.

American Nishesh Basavareddy scored the biggest win of his young career at the 2025 ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand.

Gael Monfils has become the second-oldest player in more than 30 years to reach the final of an ATP Tour event after beating American Nishesh Basavareddy 7-6 (5), 6-4 in the semifinals at 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.