Fan favourite Gael Monfils to return to the ASB Classic

French tennis star Gael Monfils is coming back to the ASB Classic.

Monfils, who has completed his 21st season as a professional tennis player, has never ended a season ranked outside the Top 100 since starting his career in 2004.

He has won 12 ATP titles, reached a career-high No. 6 in the world rankings in 2016 and played at least one final for 19 consecutive seasons. He is currently ranked world No.55.

This year the Frenchman made the semifinals in Doha and Mallorca, and the fourth round at both the Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells and Shanghai.

His season includes two victories over players in the Top-10.

He beat Poland's Hubert Hurkacz at Indian Wells and 2024 French Open and Wimbledon champion, World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, in Cincinnati.

Monfils believes 2025 will be a pivotal year for his career, but he said he's not ready to retire.

"It's really hard because I think it will be one of the most important seasons of my life in a way. During or after this one, of course, I will have to make some decisions, some adjustments," said Monfils.

"So right now, I don't really think about it, to be honest, because I know it's going to be tough. But I'm ready. And I will see what life gives me."

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.