Djokovic’s Domination at Brisbane International

Novak Djokovic continued his perfect record against Gael Monfils at the Brisbane International, securing a commanding 6-3, 6-3 victory in the second round. This win marked his 20th straight triumph over Monfils, extending their one-sided head-to-head record to an astonishing 20-0.

The match, which lasted just over an hour, saw the 24-time Grand Slam champion book his spot in the quarterfinals, where he reflected on his long-standing rivalry with Monfils.

A Rivalry Rooted in History

“We’ve been playing for many years. I’ve known Gael since I was 15, he was 16,” Djokovic shared during his post-match interview.

“We played quite a few matches at the junior level and on the professional circuit. I’ve had a good score against him over the years, but we’ve had incredible battles on different surfaces.”

At 37 and 38 years old respectively, Djokovic and Monfils represent two veterans of the sport who have shared countless moments on and off the court.

A Bold Statement: Monfils Over Nadal and Federer?

In a surprising turn, Djokovic heaped extraordinary praise on Monfils, even ranking him above Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in certain respects.

“He’s one of the best, if not the best, athletes in our sport that I have seen over the years. Incredible agility, flexibility, speed,” Djokovic remarked.

“Just such a great player to watch, so exciting, great character, great charisma. He attracts many fans around the world to the tennis stadium. Tons of respect for him, and hopefully, we can play some more before we both retire.”

Monfils: A Fan-Favorite Entertainer

Djokovic continued to praise Monfils, acknowledging his contributions to the sport:

“He’s so athletic, super nice guy, and loved by millions of people—for a reason. He’s a great entertainer with incredible charisma. The best dancer we have on the tour, that’s for sure.”

Despite Monfils never securing a win against Djokovic on the professional circuit, their matches have showcased Monfils’ remarkable talent and sportsmanship.

A Unique Clash of Tennis Veterans

The significance of their Brisbane meeting was not lost on Djokovic.

“It was a special match—37-year-old versus 38-year-old—in the first tournament of what feels like our millionth season. I enjoyed it, and I think it was a good quality match.”

As both players near the end of their illustrious careers, Djokovic expressed hope for more matches against his long-time rival, celebrating Monfils’ enduring excellence and appeal in the world of tennis.