Djokovic eases into Brisbane International quarterfinals with 20th career win over Monfils
Top seed Novak Djokovic reached the quarterfinals at Brisbane International, an ATP 250 event, with his 20th career win over Gael Monfils on Thursday.
Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam winner, defeated Monfils 6-3, 6-3 to keep his preparation for the Australian Open on track. World No. 7 Djokovic converted all three break points he earned to seal the victory in an hour and 12 minutes.
Monfils, the 38-year-old Frenchman, is yet to beat his Serbian counterpart in a professional tennis match. The duo met for the first time at the US Open in 2005.
It is the most lopsided head-to-head record in the sport’s history.
“We have been playing for many years. I have known Gael since I was 15. We played quite a bit at juniors and on Tour and have had a good score against him but we have had some incredible battles,” Djokovic said.
“He is one of the best, if not the best, athlete in our sport over the years. Incredible flexibility, agility and speed.
The 37-year-old Djokovic takes on big-serving American Reilly Opelka for a place in the semifinals as he chases his 100th singles title. Roger Federer (103) and Jimmy Connors are the only men who won more than 100 tour-level titles.
The Australian Open, where Djokovic is a 10-time champion, begins from January 12 in Melbourne.