Gael Monfils win extends astonishing 17-year streak

Gael Monfils has had a tough 2021, but is slowly gaining momentum and confidence as the tour progresses to the business end of the season.

The Frenchman defeated world number 67 Marcos Giron 7-5, 6-0 in just over an hour to advance to the final of the Sofia Open in Bulgaria.

The win means that for the 17th season in a row, Monfils has reached at least one ATP final each year, Sofia being his first in 2021.

His first ATP tour final came all the way back in 2005, in Sopot, Poland, defeating Florian Mayer for the title. Each year since has seen the showman reach at least one ATP final, winning a title in 10 of those 17 years.

The only active player with a longer such streak is Rafael Nadal with 18 years (2004-2021).

“I enjoyed [myself today],” Monfils said following his victory. “It was a great match. At the beginning Marcos [Giron] was playing very solid. I could not really find an exit door, you know.

“And at the end I found it. I’m very happy, very solid.”

Monfils started the year poorly, registering just three wins from his first eight tournaments.

But starting at Wimbledon, the 35-year-old has amassed an 11-5 win-loss record begin a reversal of his fortunes.

“I felt like in the rhythm he was just crushing the ball and he was everywhere,” Monfils added on Giron.

“So I wanted to change the speed a little bit. I wanted to come to the net [more] and step in. Mix it up a little bit. I think that was key for me.”

After a 46-minute opening set that saw Monfils recover from a break down, the veteran cruised through the second in just 19 minutes to reach the Sofia final.

There, the world number 20 will face either defending champion and top seed Jannik Sinner or fifth seed Filip Krajinovic.