'No one wants me to stop' - Veteran Gael Monfils proves age is just a number in Auckland

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Gael Monfils hopes there are still plenty of titles to come after he defeated Zizou Bergs 6-3 6-4 in the Auckland Open final to make ATP Tour history.

Monfils cruised to his 13th Tour-level crown to complete his preparations for the Australian Open, where he will face compatriot Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the first round. In the process, Monfils became the oldest player to win an ATP title.

The 38-year-old won his first title in 2005, and he has no plans to stop just yet.

“It's not easy. I have a great family. Great support with my family, team, my friends. No one wants me to stop," he said when asked how he keeps going.

"I don’t want to stop but one day I will have to. I still have the faith and belief I can produce good tennis and I still enjoy myself. Some moments are hard. [But] I do something I love. I'm still fit. My family is behind me. I feel like I need to keep playing tennis.

"I still have the passion to play tennis. Hopefully many more [wins] to come."

Monfils is the oldest player to have triumphed in Auckland since 1977.