ASB Classic: Gael Monfils returns to defend men’s title

Fan-favourite Gael Monfils will return to Auckland for the fifth time in his career as he looks to defend his ASB Classic men’s title.

The 38-year-old is the first player confirmed for the 2026 edition of the tournament, which runs from January 12-17, with the women’s event taking place a week prior from January 5-11.

Monfils made history last year by becoming the oldest winner of an ATP Tour singles competition after beating Belgium’s Zizou Bergs 6-3, 6-4 in the final to claim his 13th tour-level title, a record previously held by Roger Federer.

History will be against Monfils defending his title as only Roy Emerson 1965-1967, Onny Parun 1975-76, and David Ferrer 2011-13 have been able to do so since the tournament’s inception in 1956.

Regardless, Monfils said he’s ready to compete and insists he’s not here to make up the numbers.

“This title means a lot to me,” Monfils said. “I love the tournament and it was definitely a week I will not forget.

“I still remember the tournament fondly. It was an amazing week and I played some amazing tennis.

“I got lucky because I was down a set and a break in the first round against Pedro Martinez but somehow, I found a solution.”

Gael Monfils has never finished a season outside the top 100 since he joined the ATP Tour in 2004. Photo / Photosport

Monfils first played in Auckland in 2007 as a teenager, losing in the first round to Alberto Martin. He returned six years later, losing to eventual champion Ferrer in the semis.

In 2024, he sustained another first-round exit before triumphing last year.

Monfils has never finished a season outside the top 100 since he joined the ATP Tour in 2004. His career-high ranking is No 6 and he made at least one final in 20 consecutive seasons.

“Of course I still want to win tournaments,” Monfils said. “I want to keep on enjoying it, and keep playing more and more great matches against great players.

“For me, I want to keep on enjoying playing.”

Tournament director Nicolas Lamperin said the ASB Classic is thrilled to have Monfils return.

“It is good to have a champion back,” Lamperin said.

“However, at nearly 39, we should not take for granted that he will play forever and we should enjoy watching him while we can.

“He is a wonderful person and still perhaps the most entertaining player in the world. We could not have hoped for a better or bigger name to announce as we go on sale.”

There is pressure on Lamperin to produce another stellar line-up for the 2026 edition after last year’s tournament set a record for ticket sales.

“I am in negotiations with a range of players for both tournaments and we expect to confirm several others in the coming weeks,” Lamperin said.