Gael Monfils defeated Nishesh Basavareddy 7–6, 6–4 in the semi-final of the ATP 250 Auckland tournament on hard court on 10 January 2025, confirming his status as pre-match favourite with odds of 1.71 to Basavareddy's 2.27. Monfils secured the opening set via a tie-break before consolidating his advantage in the second to advance to the final. The Frenchman's composed performance against the American underdog underscored his continued competitiveness at 38 years old and positioned him to challenge for the title.