Novak Djokovic continued his relentless streak against Gael Monfils, winning with authority 6-3, 6-3 at the Brisbane International. The victory marked the legendary Serb’s 20th consecutive triumph over the Frenchman in what is now the most lopsided rivalry of the Open era. With this victory, Djokovic advances to the quarter-finals, keeping his eyes firmly focused on winning his 100th ATP title.
A Master Performance in Brisbane
In front of an electric crowd at Pat Rafter Arena, the 24-time Grand Slam champion delivered a new masterclass, eliminating Monfils in just 72 minutes. Djokovic showed his characteristic brilliance on both serve and return, fending off the only break point he faced and converting all three break chances against his opponent.
The victory propels Djokovic into a quarter-final clash against powerful server Reilly Opelka, where the world No. 7 will look to extend his remarkable early season form.
How Djokovic Dominated Monfils
Djokovic started the match in style, fending off a break point in the third game with a powerful serve before taking control with a break in the next game, thanks to a backhand error from Monfils. The Serbian ace consolidated his advantage with precise serving and relentless consistency from the baseline, closing out the first set 6-3 in just 36 minutes.
In the second set, Djokovic maintained his dominance. Monfils faltered with a double fault, giving Novak a crucial break to take a 2-1 lead. From there, Djokovic kept his foot on the accelerator, stringing together winning forehands and maintaining surgical precision on his serve. The match ended with Monfils missing an easy backhand on match point, giving Djokovic yet another victory in their lopsided rivalry.
The Most Unbalanced Rivalry in Tennis History
Djokovic’s one-on-one dominance over Monfils is second to none. This latest triumph extends the Serb’s impeccable 20-0 record against the Frenchman, a run that spans 18 years and multiple surfaces. Monfils, known for his athleticism and style, was never able to crack the Djokovic code, despite pushing the Serb on several occasions.
Next Challenge: Reilly Opelka
Djokovic’s path to a historic 100th ATP title now runs through the colossal Reilly Opelka. With his powerful serve and aggressive play, Opelka presents a unique challenge, but Djokovic’s mastery on all courts and his ability to neutralize big servers make him the favorite heading into the quarterfinal clash.
As the tournament heats up, all eyes remain on Djokovic as he inches closer to another milestone in his illustrious career.
