Novak Djokovic defeats Gael Monfils to extend his record to 20-0 over Frenchman

Novak Djokovic advanced to the Brisbane International quarterfinals on Thursday night defeating Gaël Monfils 6-3, 6-3, extending the most dominant head-to-head record in tennis hory.
After 20 years of playing against each other on the professional circuit, Djokovic’s victory is his 20th career triumph over Monfils, who is still looking for his first victory over the Serbian. The second most-lopsided record in tennis is Rafael Nadal’s 18-0 head-to-head with Richard Gasquet. “I like [Monfils’] style of play,” Djokovic grinned. “You are somewhat happier to play someone you have defeated more often.”
Notwithstanding the dismal head-to-head record, Monfils has had chances to defeat Djokovic. Djokovic just prevailed against Monfils 7-5 in the fifth set of their first meeting, a thrilling first-round contest at the 2005 US Open that was characterized cramps and swings in momentum. Additionally, he has defeated Monfils in two final set tie-breaks and overcame a three-point deficit in their 2020 Dubai Open semifinal. Djokovic has always managed to get through somehow.
“We had some really tough battles,” said Djokovic. “He had a couple of matches where he was one point away. I think in Dubai a few years ago he had a couple match points and should have won that match. It just happens. When you are on a bad roll, it is also affecting you mentally.
“But I think he deserves a great credit for playing still at such a high level at his age. He’s so athletic, super guy. Super nice guy that is loved millions of people – with a reason. He’s a great entertainer, great charisma. The best dancer we have on the tour, that’s for sure. He’s been around. He’s been a top-10 player. Played a lot of late stages of Grand Slams. He loves the big stage, the big stadiums.”
Only Djokovic and Monfils are left from the 256 tennis players who competed in the men’s and women’s singles draws of the 2005 Australian Open twenty years ago. The fact that Monfils has returned to the top 50 at the age of 38 is a noteworthy accomplishment in itself, even though Djokovic’s durability is unmatched and he still competes for — and wins — important titles at 37.
“It was a special match in a way, playing a 37-year-old versus a 38-year-old on the tour in the first tournament of God knows what season of ours that we have in our career,” said Djokovic. “I enjoyed it. I think it was a good-quality match. I think he had just a couple of loose games first, and second set that allowed me to break his serve. It was I think tighter than maybe the score indicates.”
Reilly Opelka of the United States will be Djokovic’s next opponent as he looks to regain his form and contend for an 11th Australian Open championship with his new coach, Andy Murray.

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