Novak Djokovic continues Gael Monfils dominance in Brisbane | ATP Tour

Novak Djokovic continues Gael Monfils dominance in Brisbane | ATP Tour
Novak Djokovic continues Gael Monfils dominance in Brisbane | ATP Tour

Match Report

Djokovic continues Monfils dominance, reaches Brisbane QFs

Serbian next plays Opelka

January 02, 2025

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Novak Djokovic is chasing his 100th tour-level title this week in Brisbane.
By Sam Jacot

For 20 years, Novak Djokovic has proven an imperious force on the ATP Tour. The Serbian’s mental fortitude and rock-solid, world-class game has made him extremely tough to beat, with nobody relating more to the struggles of facing Djokovic than Gael Monfils.

Meeting for the 20th time on Thursday at the Brisbane International presented by Evie, Monfils was once again on the wrong end of the scoreline against Djokovic, who made it 20-0 in the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head series with a 6-3, 6-3 second-round victory at the ATP 250 in Queensland.

“We have been playing for many years. I have known Gael since I was 15. We played quite a bit at juniors and on Tour and have had a good score against him but we have had some incredible battles,” Djokovic said. “He is one of the best, if not the best, athlete in our sport over the years. Incredible flexibility, agility and speed.

“He is such a great player to watch and a great character and attracts fans around the world to stadiums so tonnes of respect to him and hopefully we can play some more before we both retire.”

No Way’ Novak
Novak Djokovic’s most dominant Lexus ATP Head2Head series rivalries

The top seed’s first victory against Monfils came at the 2005 US Open, a year before the 37-year-old won his maiden tour-level title in Amersfoort. Nineteen years on and this week Djokovic is aiming to become just the third man to win 100 tour-level titles after Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103).

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In his quest to clinch his 100th crown, the former No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings has looked impressive through his opening two matches in Brisbane. After dispatching Rinky Hijikata, the World No. 7 hit with relentless consistency against Monfils and converted all three break points he conjured to reach the quarter-finals after one hour and 12 minutes.

Watching courtside were Djokovic’s children, Stefan and Tara. The 37-year-old is pleased to have his family with him in Australia and revealed they have had a say on his post-match celebrations.

“My children told me to have two different kinds of celebrations,” Djokovic said. “My daughter told me to keep going with the violin if I win. My son told me to play the saxophone, so I try and incorporate both. It is the first time for me to have my family down under. It is a long trip but they have come to support me and we are spending a lot of quality time together off court. My heart is full and it allows me to play my best tennis.”

Djokovic will be joined by coach Andy Murray in Melbourne next week ahead of the Australian Open, with the Scot currently skiing with his family. However, Murray will be pleased with what he has watched from afar this week and will be hoping for more of the same from his charge when the Serbian takes on Reilly Opelka in the quarter-finals.

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Djokovic has now won his past 27 matches against Frenchmen, with his last loss coming against Benoit Paire at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Miami in 2018. Djokovic, who also teamed with Nick Kyrgios in doubles this week, is making his second appearance in Brisbane (2009).

Djokovic is aiming to find his best form this week ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne, where he will try to capture a record-extending 11th AO crown and 25th major.

Play It Again, Sam
Most lopsided Lexus ATP Head2Head records in Open Era

Statistical research courtesy Jon Jeraj.

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