Ask Rafael Nadal about Auckland and it brings an immediate smile. As unlikely as it sounds, the Spanish legend remembers his time here well. Nadal ended his incredible career in November.

Rafael Nadal made the final of the then Heineken Open in Auckland in 2004 at 17 years old, losing in three sets to Dominik Hrbaty. Photo / Photosport Ask Rafael Nadal about Auckland and it brings ...

Gael Monfils will compete in his 35th ATP final in Auckland. The veteran lost to Novak Djokovic in Brisbane at the beginning ...

Gael Monfils has become the second oldest player in more than 30 years to reach the final of an ATP Tour event after beating ...

The powerful trio of Serbia's Novak Djokovic, Switzerland's Roger Federer and Spain's Rafael Nadal held on long past ... a blow for the old guard Friday in Auckland. Monfils defeated Belgium's ...

and Rafael Nadal (the 2024 Swedish Open at 38 years and 48 days) also are in the top five. Frenchman Monfils has been breaking records steadily in Auckland to reach his 35th ATP Tour final.

I love Auckland and the fans here ... One fan even highlighted how Rafael Nadal made every effort to play through his chronic foot injury while criticizing the Brit for pulling out of tournaments ...