"I'll call my daughter to tell her I'm in the final," when Monfils mentioned Skaï after reaching the Auckland final

Gaël Monfils, who will retire in 2026, has shown remarkable consistency throughout his career, finishing eight seasons in the top 20 and reaching at least one ATP Tour final every year between 2005 and 2023. At the very start of the season in Auckland, the Frenchman managed to qualify for the final after defeating Nishesh Basavareddy (7-6, 6-4).

During his on-court post-match interview following his victory over the American, the current world No. 55 then mentioned his daughter Skaï, born in October 2022, and announced he wanted to play his next match against Zizou Bergs for her.

"With the adrenaline, you're always pumped up to play a final. I'm going to enjoy it and I'll call my daughter to tell her I'm in the final. I'm going to try to win another trophy for her," Monfils then shared with ATP media in front of the New Zealand spectators.

The next day, indeed, Monfils defeated the Belgian, who had come through qualifying (6-3, 6-4), to claim the 13th title of his career. A triumph that remains, for now, as the last of his career.