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.

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 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 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.

When people talk about Gael Monfils, they often focus on the entertainment. They see his brilliant shots, the extravagant retrievals, the aerobic moves. They also see the moments of showmanship, the jokes and interaction with the crowd.

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.

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 teen Nishesh Basavareddy defeated countryman and No. 8 seed Alex Michelsen 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 on Thursday in the quarterfinals of the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand. At 19, Basavareddy became the youngest U.

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.

Zizou Bergs is playing his first ATP Tour final, while Gael Monfils is competing in his 35th, at the ATP 250 in Auckland. But the Frenchman’s record in championship matches isn’t the strongest (12-22) and he’s nearing the end of his illustrious career.