Novak Djokovic qualifies for quarterfinals in Brisbane

Novak Djokovic beat Gaël Monfils in two identical sets of 6-3 on Thursday in the second round of the tournament in Brisbane, Australia. The Serb signed a 20th success against the Frenchman, still looking for a first victory.

In each set, Djokovic took Monfils' serve very early. He first exploited his only break point in the initial act at 2-1, then took Monfils' service at 1-1 in the second period, and finally at 5-3 to close the match.

Well leggy and dominant in the exchanges, Djokovic had a serious match and left no chance to Monfils, 38, who only had one break point to get his teeth into during the entire confrontation .

The former world No. 1, now 7th in the rankings, has a meeting with American Reilly Opelka in the quarter-finals of the competition. The Serbian defeated the Australian Rinky Hijikata from the start in Brisbane.

Djokovic, who is coming off a 2024 season without a grand slam title, a first since 2017, will try at the age of 37 to win a 25th major title at the Australian Open, his favorite major tournament which he has won 10 times, counting from January 12 in Melbourne.