ASB Classic: Gael Monfils takes Auckland title with masterful win over Zizou Bergs

Monfils Magnifique. Gael the Great. The Monfils miracle.

However you phrase it, this will be remembered for a long time.

It’s hard to imagine there have been many more popular men’s champions in Auckland – and difficult to think there will be in the future.

Gael Monfils is the king of the ASB Classic. He has thrilled and amazed on the court and charmed off it. Saturday’s final was another superb performance. Even though Belgian Zizou Bergs was clearly overawed for long periods, it was the control and experience of Monfils that made the difference in the 6-3 6-4 win across 97 minutes.

It’s been quite a week; a mix of grit, touch, resilience, mental performance and pure brilliance, as he overcame every new challenge.

The 38 year old becomes the oldest winner since the ATP Tour’s inception in 1990, beating the previous mark held by Roger Federer, and no one has taken a title at a more advanced age since 1977 when Ken Rosewall won in Hong Kong.

“[It’s] big satisfaction, very special,” said Monfils. “I don’t win a lot [of titles]. It’s been more than 20 years playing and it’s a 13th time I end up winning, so you just feel special and happy that it’s in Auckland.”

Monfils was unaware of Federer’s mark until informed by the Herald – “I didn’t know, you just told me” – but doesn’t want to stop there.

“It’s a different record and you’re always pleased to have a record, but I want to do more,” laughed Monfils. “I want to play a little bit more, so why not win later on?”

Gael Monfils beat Zizou Bergs in straight sets in the ASB Classic final. Photo / Photosport

Few would count that out after this week. While seeds fell around him, Monfils kept rolling. The turning point came in his first match, with the remarkable comeback from 6-1 5-2 down, taking a second set tiebreak and then the match.

“I was down, feeling not good physically, not good in my tennis and then in a short [moment] you could switch up and light some fire in me,” said Monfils.

There were other challenges, particularly against powerful German Jan-Lennard Struff but Monfils wore down every opponent with his game intelligence and variation as much as his defence. The world No 52 had his own battles, getting through five matches early in the season.

“Ups and downs for sure,” said Monfils, who had to manage back problems throughout the week – “the pain goes around the abs” – and had physio and rehabilitation sessions that went on for hours.

He also improved across the week – “I’ve been playing better and better, solid tennis, very consistent” – not dropping a set after the first one of his tournament.

Saturday’s final was always going to be a challenge for world No 66 Bergs, who had progressed through qualifying to reach his first decider at this level against someone in his 35th. And Monfils made it difficult, with another demonstration of his defensive nous, followed by counter punch.

“He was playing very smart,” said Bergs. “He is using his age very well. He reads well, so he knows which corners to go to. And just going back-to-back [physically]. It’s hard for me to imagine being 38, having that body.”

On Saturday, Monfils was out of the blocks fast. He broke for 2-0 with a savage forehand and came close to another break in the fourth game as Bergs was struggling to find answers.

The set was sealed in 30 minutes, as Monfils held a service game to love.

The next set followed a similar pattern. The Belgian was trying everything – coming forward, staying back, drop shots, aggression – with few inroads. Monfils went ahead 2-1 with a break, then maintained.

There was a brief stoppage in the fifth game as medics attended to a spectator before the mastery of Monfils was epitomised at 4-2.

With a delicate drop shot that floated like a badminton shuttlecock, before a flicked half-volley from near the baseline as Bergs grew more exasperated, the Frenchman came back from 0-40 to hold.

Monfils had one final test, serving for the match at 5-3. With nothing to lose, Bergs went for it. He forced three break points – with the crowd sensing one final twist – but Monfils defended each one, with a loud “let’s go” after the third.

Then Bergs netted a forehand and it was over, with tournament director Nicolas Lamperin, who is also Monfils’ long-time agent, summing up the sentiments from all present and watching around the country.

“Gael – don’t ever stop playing tennis,” said Lamperin. “Everybody loves you.”