Novak Djokovic’s first two matches of the 2025 season show that he is indeed back and ready for his challenge to win a 25th Grand Slam. Absent from the circuit since his defeat in Shanghai in the final against Jannik Sinner in October 2024, the Serb got off to a perfect start in Brisbane against Rinky Hijikata (6-3, 6-3).
This Thursday morning, against Gaël Monfils, the Serb took the level up a notch. Very offensive and physically at 100%, ‘Nole’ won by the same score 6-3, 6-3. His 20th victory in as many matches against ‘La Monf’.
Monfils too tender but present
Faced with such a Novak Djokovic, it was difficult to imagine the 38-year-old Gaël Monfils winning for the first time in his career against the greatest Grand Slam title holder.
All the same, the Frenchman had a good match, showing that he was physically present. He will have lacked a little forward commitment to prevent his opponent from doing so, but has what he can rely on to best prepare for the Australian Open which starts in around ten days.
In the next round, Novak Djokovic will face the returning giant server, Reilly Opelka. “I will have to take one or more steps back on the way back” the Serbian had fun on the microphone on the court. The match will take place on Friday around 11 a.m.
The other second round matches in Brisbane (ATP 250, Queensland Tennis Centre, hard, USD 766,290, results displayed from newest to oldest):
- Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard – Frances Tiafoe (N.4): 6-4, 7-6 [4]
- Reilly Opelka – Matteo Arnaldi : 7-6 [9]7-6 [4]
- Jakub Mensik – Dusan Lajovic (LL): 6-3, 6-2
- Jordan Thompson (N.8) – Alex Michelsen : 7-5, 6-3
- Grigor Dimitrov (N.2) – Aleksandar Vukic (WC): 6-2, 7-6 [5]
- Nicolas Jarry – Benjamin Bonzi (Q): 6-2, 6-3
- Jiri Lehecka – Yoshihito Nishioka (Q) : 6-2, 6-7 [5]6-4
