Gael the Great writes more history in Stockholm

Gael Monfils set another record on Sunday in Stockholm as the French showman collected the 12th trophy of his career in a demonstration of ATP consistency.

The 37-year-old reached a Tour final for the 19th season in succession, a record which began in 2005 when he won Sopot. 

Monfils claimed the honours at the Kungligallen over qualifier Pavel Kotov 4-6, 7-6(6), 6-3, winning his second title in the Swedish capital a dozen years after his first. 

‘I ran a lot today. When I had to save break points in the second set, I tried to push through,” the No. 140 said. .

‘I don’t know how I pulled up but I kept believing and fighting.”

Monfils has been dealing with injuries for much of this season, but showed his fitness is solid by winning his first title since Adelaide in January, 2022.

The Frenchman will rise to 89th in the rankings on Monday and is the lowest-ranked tournament winner since No. 152 Borna Coric won the Cincinnati Masters 13 months ago.

Monfils reached the finishing line this week with the loss of just two sets.