Novak Djokovic extended the record for the most impressive head-to-head in tennis history by defeating Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals of the Brisbane International on Thursday night.
The win is Djokovic’s 20th career win over Monfils, who is still looking for his first win over the Serbian after competing against each other on the professional circuit for 20 years. Rafael Nadal’s 18–0 record over Richard Gasquet is the second most lopsided record in the game. ,[Monfils’] The game suits me,” Djokovic said with a smile. “To some extent, the more you win against someone, the more fun you have playing with them.”
Despite the painful head-to-head record, Monfils has a chance to win over Djokovic. In their very first meeting, a dramatic first-round match at the 2005 US Open that was full of twists and turns and momentum swings, Djokovic barely hung on and defeated Monfils 7–5 in the fifth set. He has also won two final set tie-breaks against Monfils and survived a triple match point deficit in the 2020 Dubai Open semi-finals. Somehow, Djokovic has always found a way.
“We had some very tough matches,” Djokovic said. “He had some matches where he was one point away. I think a few years ago in Dubai he had some match points and should have won that match. It just happens. When you are in a bad situation, it also affects you mentally.
“But I think he deserves a huge credit for playing at such a high level even at his age. He’s very athletic, super guy. Very nice guy who is loved by millions – with a reason. He is a great entertainer, a great charismatic person. It’s for sure that we have the best dancers on tour. He’s been around. He has been a top-10 player. Played a lot in the last stages of the Grand Slam. He likes big stages, big stadiums.”
Of the 256 tennis players in the 2005 Australian Open men’s and women’s singles draws two decades ago, only Djokovic and Monfils remain. While Djokovic’s longevity is phenomenal, and he continues to compete for and win important titles at the age of 37, that Monfils has re-established himself in the top 50 at the age of 38 is remarkable in itself. It is an important achievement.
“It was a special match in a way, playing a 37-year-old versus a 38-year-old in the first tournament on the tour in God knows what season of our careers,” Djokovic said. “I had a lot of fun. I think it was a good quality match. I think in the first, second set he just had some loose games that gave me a chance to break his serve. I think that probably changed the score. Was more difficult than.
As he tries to rebuild his form and compete for an 11th Australian Open title with his new coach Andy Murray, Djokovic will next face Reilly Opelka of the United States.
On Thursday night, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka continued her solid start to the year by defeating Yulia Putintseva to reach the quarterfinals with a tough 7-6 (2), 6-4 victory in Brisbane. Now she will face Marie Bouzkova of Czech Republic.