In a commanding performance at the Brisbane International, Novak Djokovic claimed his 20th consecutive victory over French player Gaël Monfils, delivering a confident 6-3, 6-3 win. This victory extends Djokovic’s extraordinary record against Monfils to 20-0 in ATP level matches. Meeting on the court for the first time as juniors in 2004 and having faced each other multiple times over two decades, Djokovic has consistently maintained his dominance.
The Serbian tennis star, a 24-time grand slam champion, demonstrated his prowess in the match at the Pat Rafter Arena, culminating in yet another victory and solidifying his position as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Echoing his celebratory routine, Djokovic entertained the crowd by mimicking playing a saxophone with his racquet, a gesture for his son Stefan, who is accompanying him in Australia for the first time.
During the post-match conference, Djokovic acknowledged Monfils as one of the sport’s best dancers but expressed that their subsequent matches have affirmed his command in the game. Despite Monfils’ past achievements, including a career-high ranking of World No. 6, the Frenchman struggled to overcome Djokovic, who admitted the psychological impact of repeated losses could be challenging.
Reflecting on their first ATP meeting in the US Open years ago, Djokovic remarked on how their careers might have diverged had Monfils won a pivotal early match. However, the resilience and consistency of Djokovic have been decisive, evident in Thursday’s match as he broke Monfils’ serve with apparent ease, displaying strategic baseline play and minimal errors.
Djokovic’s family presence in Australia adds emotional support, potentially contributing to his on-court success, and he expressed gratitude for their sacrifices, making the long journey amidst other responsibilities. As Djokovic eyes his 100th top-level title, he cherishes this time with his family, grasping the rarity of opportunities as both he and Monfils, among the oldest in the ATP top 100, inch closer to the twilight of their professional journeys.
