Gael Monfils will compete in his 35th ATP final in Auckland. The veteran lost to Novak Djokovic in Brisbane at the beginning of the season and found himself in a tough position in the first match in Auckland. However, he bounced back and reached the title clash.

Novak Djokovic recalled getting intimidated by Rafael Nadal and described how he felt when he was in the locker room with the Spaniard. There won’t be another Djokovic versus Nadal match as the 38-year-old bade his farewell last year in November after losing the first match of the quarterfinal tie in the Davis Cup.