Text size

Recasts with Djokovic

Novak Djokovic was in commanding form as he beat Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals of the Brisbane International on Thursday, with the Australian Open just over a week away.

On a day when rising stars Mirra Andreeva and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard highlighted their potential, Djokovic powered past fellow veteran Monfils in 72 minutes.

Djokovic and Monfils played an entertaining game, but the 37-year-old Serb always remained in control and celebrated his 20th consecutive victory over the Frenchman.

Former world number one Djokovic next plays giant American Reilly Opelka.

“We’ve been playing for a long time, I’ve known Gael since I was 15 and he was 16,” said Djokovic, who is seeking a record-equalling 25th Grand Slam singles title when the Australian Open begins on January 12.

“I’ve had a good result against him over the years, but we’ve had some incredible battles on different surfaces.”

“Hopefully we can play some more before we both retire.”

17-year-old Russian Andreeva defeated Linda Noskova 6-3, 6-0 in the women’s draw, while Mpetshi Perricard beat American fourth seed Frances Tiafoe 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) in the men’s quarterfinals reached. Final.

A year after losing to the same player in the season opener, Andreeva showed her improvement from 2024 with a 63-minute win over Czech Noskova.

The teenager will face Ons Jabeur from Tunisia in the quarterfinals.

“Last year she (Noskova) almost killed me in the quarterfinals, so I thought it was time to take revenge,” Andreeva said.

The Russian started the year at number 16 in the world rankings and is tipped by many as a candidate for a Grand Slam in 2025.

“My ultimate goal for the 2025 season is to reach the top 10,” said Andreeva, who is coached by former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez.

The outstanding 21-year-old Mpetshi Perricard, who defeated Australian Nick Kyrgios in an entertaining first-round encounter, again superbly beat US Open semi-finalist Tiafoe.

After serving 36 aces in his three-set win over Kyrgios, the Frenchman hit another 20 against the more experienced Tiafoe.

Mpetshi Perricard will next face 19-year-old Czech Jakub Mensik.

“It was a good game, it wasn’t easy playing against Francis,” said Mpetshi Perricard.

“The first set was very close on serve, but I managed to put some pressure on his second serve and it worked.”