Match report

Djokovic continues Monfil’s dominance and reaches Brisbane QFs

The Serbian Opelka plays next

January 2, 2025

Novak Djokovic has been a confident force on the ATP Tour for 20 years. The Serb’s mental strength and rock-solid, world-class game have made him extremely difficult to beat, and no one knows more about the difficulties of facing Djokovic than Gael Monfils.

Monfils met for the 20th time at the Brisbane International presented by Evie on Thursday and was once again on the wrong end of Djokovic, who made it 20-0 in the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head series, 6-3, 6-0. 3rd second round victory at the ATP 250 in Queensland.

“We have been playing for many years. I’ve known Gael since I was 15. We played quite a bit in juniors and on the tour and had a good result against him, but we also had some incredible battles,” Djokovic said. “He has been one of the best, if not the best, athletes in our sport for years. Incredible flexibility, agility and speed.”

“He is such a great player and a great character who attracts fans to stadiums all over the world. I have a lot of respect for him and hope we can play a few more times before we both retire.”

No Way’ Novak
Novak Djokovic’s most dominant rivalries in the Lexus ATP Head2Head series

The top seed’s first win against Monfils came at the 2005 US Open, a year before the 37-year-old won his first tour title in Amersfoort. Nineteen years later, Djokovic is aiming this week to become only the third man to win 100 Tour titles, joining Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103).

In his quest for his 100th crown, the former PIF ATP Rankings No. 1 put in an impressive performance in the first two matches in Brisbane. After defeating Rinky Hijikata, the world number 7 struck with ruthless consistency against Monfils, converting all three break points he conjured to reach the quarter-finals after an hour and 12 minutes.

Chapter 20: ✅@DjokerNole defeats Monfils again to secure his place in the last 8 in Brisbane.@BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis pic.twitter.com/oTVUDxC6Pj

— ATP Tour (@atptour) January 2, 2025

Djokovic’s children Stefan and Tara sat on the sidelines. The 37-year-old is happy to have his family with him in Australia and revealed they were able to join in his post-match celebrations.

“My children told me to have two different types of celebrations,” Djokovic said. “My daughter told me to keep playing the violin if I won. My son told me to play the saxophone, so I try to incorporate both. It’s the first time I’ve had my family down under. It’s a long journey.” But they came to support me and we spend a lot of time off the pitch. My heart is full and it allows me to play my best tennis.

Djokovic will be joined by coach Andy Murray in Melbourne next week ahead of the Australian Open, with the Scot currently skiing with his family. However, Murray will be happy with what he saw from afar this week and will be hoping for more of the same from his charge when the Serb takes on Reilly Opelka in the quarter-finals.

Djokovic has now won his last 27 matches against Frenchmen, with his last loss coming against Benoit Paire at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Miami in 2018. Djokovic, who also partnered Nick Kyrgios in doubles this week, is making his second appearance in Brisbane (2009).

Djokovic is aiming to find his best form this week ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne, where he will attempt to claim a record-equalling 11th AO title and a 25th major title.

Play it again, Sam
The most lopsided Lexus ATP Head2Head records in the Open Era

Statistical research courtesy of Jon Jeraj.