AUCKLAND, Jan 10, (V7N) – Veteran French tennis star Gael Monfils, 38, advanced to the Auckland Classic final on Friday after defeating American qualifier Nishesh Basavareddy, who is half his age, with a 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 victory. This win gives Monfils a chance to claim his 13th career title.

Monfils became the second-oldest men's singles finalist at any ATP Tour event since 1990, showcasing his enduring talent. He made the most of his opportunities, converting his only break point late in the second set to secure the win over the 19-year-old Basavareddy.

Relieved to have reached his 35th career final, Monfils is hopeful this momentum will carry into the Australian Open in Melbourne, which begins on Sunday.

"I'm very happy. This kid has a bright future ahead of him; he really pushed me to the limit," Monfils said. He will face fellow Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the Australian Open's first round.

In Saturday's Auckland final, the unseeded world No. 52 Monfils will take on either seventh-seeded Portuguese Nuno Borges or unseeded Belgian Zizou Bergs.