In each set, Djokovic, who qualified for the quarter-finals, took Monfils’ serve very early, exploiting the only break point he got in the first set, then taking “white” Monfils’ service at 1-1 in the second where he even stole the Frenchman’s commitment a second time at 5-3. The Serbian, in good shape, committing few direct errors, dominant in the rally, had a serious match and left no chance to Monfils, 38, who only had one break point to spare. eat throughout the game.
21 duels in 21 years
The first clash between Monfils and Djokovic was more than twenty years ago and it was then a tournament on the “Future” circuit, organized by the International Tennis Federation. The Serb won during the Italy F4 (6-4, 6-7, 6-2) in 2004. Subsequently, the two men faced each other 20 times, this time on the main circuit. The first was during the 2005 US Open, for a success for the “Djoker” in five sets (7-5, 4-6, 7-6, 0-6, 7-5).
We could add to this long series a 22nd duel: the one which never took place in 2021 at Paris-Bercy, since the Parisian had to withdraw before his round of 16.
