Djokovic extends Monfils’ rule in Brisbane into the quarterfinals.
Djokovic extends Monfils’ rule in Brisbane into the quarterfinals.
This year, their fearless leader, Novak Djokovic has dominated the ATP tour for the last 20 years. Serbian’s mentality, character and a solid, near perfect game makes him very hard to defeat, and nobody understands that better than Gael Monfils.
Arriving in Brisbane for the twentieth ATP meeting on Thursday at the Brisbane International presented by Evie, Monfils had the misfortune of losing to Djokovic, who emerged triumphant in their 20th head to head clash 6-3, 6-3 in the second round of the ATP 250 event in Queensland .
The group has been in existence for quite some time now, and we have been playing for quite some time. I’ve been familiar with Gael since I was 15 years old. We have practiced a lot at juniors and playing on Tour and we have beaten him before but we have had some very closely contested matches,” Djokovic said. Being one of the absolute best, if not the best, athlete of the years in our sport, he is indispensable. High flexibility, maneuverability as well as velocity.
“He is such a joy to watch on the field, a good character and draws fans globally to the stadiums so tonnes of respect to him and yes, we would be privileged to share the field more before hanging our boots.”
No Way’ Novak
In Look, Novak Djokovic weakest Lexus ATP Head2Head series competitor matchupsYesterday Novak Djokovic beat Gael Monfils 20/0Az to czas na spotkanie losowy Novak Djokovic Jeremy Chardy 14-0The next match was between Novak Djokovic and Andreas Seppi where Djokovic prevailed with 12-0.This time Novak Djokovic against Milos Raonic beat for 12-0.This one was a much closer match and would have been much more watchable if Taylor Fritz could have not blown a 5-0 lead in the final set and let Novak Djokovic win 10-0.nance, reaches Brisbane QFs
For 20 years, Novak Djokovic has proven an imperious force on the ATP Tour. The Serbian’s mental fortitude and rock-solid, world-class game has made him extremely tough to beat, with nobody relating more to the struggles of facing Djokovic than Gael Monfils.
Meeting for the 20th time on Thursday at the Brisbane International presented by Evie, Monfils was once again on the wrong end of the scoreline against Djokovic, who made it 20-0 in the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head series with a 6-3, 6-3 second-round victory at the ATP 250 in Queensland.
“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.
“He is such a great player to watch and a great character and attracts fans around the world to stadiums so tonnes of respect to him and hopefully we can play some more before we both retire.”
No Way’ Novak
Novak Djokovic’s most dominant Lexus ATP Head2Head series rivalries
Player Opponent Record
Novak Djokovic Gael Monfils 20-0
Novak Djokovic Jeremy Chardy 14-0
Novak Djokovic Andreas Seppi 12-0
Novak Djokovic Milos Raonic 12-0
Novak Djokovic Taylor Fritz 10-0
The first win of the top seed over Monfils happened in 2005 at the US Open, one year before the 37-year-old secured his first title in Amersfoort in the Netherlands. Now 19 years on and this week Djokovic is eyeing to join an elite group of only three men who have ever won 100 tour level titles or more specifically 103 and 109, those of Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors.
The former No.1 in the PIF ATP Rankings has made smooth sailing in his bid to achieve hundredTon crown through his last two rounds in Brisbane. The World No. 7, who sent Rinky Hijikata packing, hit through Monfils and with equal ferocity as he bludgeoned through the baseline with consistent raw power that outclassed Monfils and swept all his break points that he created and claimed the quarter-final spot in one hour 12 minutes.
Looking on from the courtside were Djokovic’s children, Stefan and Tara. The 37-year-old is happy that his family accompanies him to Australia adding that they have contributed towards decisions on the dancing style.
“My children told me to have two different kinds of celebrations,” Djokovic said. I remember my daughter encouraging me to go on with the violin if I emerge as the winner. My son told me to play the saxophone, so I attempt to include both in my every day life as much as possible. This is the first time I have my family in this part of the world which is literally down under. Yeah it’s a long journey but they have a right to be here supporting me and for us off the basketball court we are actually spending a lot of time together. This feeling fills my heart to the brink and then it helps me to win the games I am playing.”
His close friend and coach, Andy Murray, will meet up with Djokovic in Melbourne next week before the Australian Open, where the Scot is skiing with his family. Though, more likely, Murray will be happy with what he has seen from afar this week and would want his man to replicate those performances against the Serbian in the quarter-final facing Reilly Opelka.
Novak Djokovic had lost his last 27 matches against the French players and the last time he was defeated by Benoit Paire in Miami Masters1000 in 2018. Djokovic, who also partnered with Nick Kyrgios in doubles this week, , is playing Brisbane for the second time (2009).
The 12-time AO champion Djokovic is using the Murray tournament to prepare for the Australian Open in Melbourne where he will be targeting the record-equalling 11th title and record 25th Grand Slam title.
Play It Again, Sam
All records reversed in Open Era, but most one sided Lexus ATP Head2Head możeciał beingNovak Djokovic Gael Monfils 20-0Rafael Nadal Richard Gasquet : 18 / 0Bjorn Borg Vitas Gerulaitis 17-0Roger Federer Mikhail Youzhny It lucky 13 for the Swiss, who has not dropped a set this tournament 17-0Roger Federer overpowers David Ferrer winning 17-0The victory was paid for by Bjorn Borg Harold Solomon defeating his opponent in a three-set15-0.13th / Roger Federer Jarkko Nieminen 15-0nce, reaches Brisbane QFs
For 20 years, Novak Djokovic has proven an imperious force on the ATP Tour. The Serbian’s mental fortitude and rock-solid, world-class game has made him extremely tough to beat, with nobody relating more to the struggles of facing Djokovic than Gael Monfils.
Meeting for the 20th time on Thursday at the Brisbane International presented by Evie, Monfils was once again on the wrong end of the scoreline against Djokovic, who made it 20-0 in the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head series with a 6-3, 6-3 second-round victory at the ATP 250 in Queensland.
“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.
“He is such a great player to watch and a great character and attracts fans around the world to stadiums so tonnes of respect to him and hopefully we can play some more before we both retire.”
No Way’ Novak
Novak Djokovic’s most dominant Lexus ATP Head2Head series rivalries
Player Opponent Record
Novak Djokovic Gael Monfils 20-0
Novak Djokovic Jeremy Chardy 14-0
Novak Djokovic Andreas Seppi 12-0
Novak Djokovic Milos Raonic 12-0
Novak Djokovic Taylor Fritz 10-0
The top seed’s first victory against Monfils came at the 2005 US Open, a year before the 37-year-old won his maiden tour-level title in Amersfoort. Nineteen years on and this week Djokovic is aiming to become just the third man to win 100 tour-level titles after Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103).
In his quest to clinch his 100th crown, the former No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings has looked impressive through his opening two matches in Brisbane. After dispatching Rinky Hijikata, the World No. 7 hit with relentless consistency against Monfils and converted all three break points he conjured to reach the quarter-finals after one hour and 12 minutes.
Watching courtside were Djokovic’s children, Stefan and Tara. The 37-year-old is pleased to have his family with him in Australia and revealed they have had a say on his post-match celebrations.
“My children told me to have two different kinds of celebrations,” Djokovic said. “My daughter told me to keep going with the violin if I win. My son told me to play the saxophone, so I try and incorporate both. It is the first time for me to have my family down under. It is a long trip but they have come to support me and we are spending a lot of quality time together off court. 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 pleased with what he has watched from afar this week and will be hoping for more of the same from his charge when the Serbian takes on Reilly Opelka in the quarter-finals.
Djokovic has now won his past 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 teamed with 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 try to capture a record-extending 11th AO crown and 25th major.
Play It Again, Sam
Most lopsided Lexus ATP Head2Head records in Open Era
Player Opponent Record
Novak Djokovic Gael Monfils 20-0
Rafael Nadal Richard Gasquet 18-0
Bjorn Borg Vitas Gerulaitis 17-0
Roger Federer Mikhail Youzhny 17-0
Roger Federer David Ferrer 17-0
Ivan Lendl Tim Mayotte 17-0
Ivan Lendl Scott Davis 16-0
Ivan Lendl Brad Gilbert 16-0
Bjorn Borg Harold Solomon 15-0
Roger Federer Jarkko Nieminen 15-0
Statistics used in this study made available to the author by Jon Jeraj.
One thought on “Holding court on the same field as Monfils once again, Djokovic proceeds to the quarter finals in Brisbane.”