For two decades, Novak Djokovic has firmly established himself as one of the most dominant figures in tennis. His mental toughness and exceptional all-around game have made him nearly invincible on the ATP Tour, and his rivalry with Frenchman Gael Monfils stands as a prime example of this dominance. Despite numerous encounters, Monfils has never been able to defeat Djokovic, and their most recent meeting at the Brisbane International further solidified this trend.
In their 20th career meeting, Djokovic extended his flawless record against Monfils to 20-0, securing a 6-3, 6-3 win in the second round. The match, which lasted just over an hour, was another display of Djokovic’s trademark consistency and precision. Monfils, known for his electrifying athleticism and captivating playing style, was unable to break down Djokovic’s defenses, as the Serbian converted all three of his break points during the match.
Reflecting on the long history between them, Djokovic shared his admiration for Monfils. “I’ve known Gael since I was 15. We’ve played a lot over the years, and we’ve had some incredible battles,” Djokovic said. He went on to praise Monfils’ extraordinary physical abilities, describing him as “one of the best, if not the best, athlete in our sport” with incredible flexibility, speed, and agility. Djokovic also expressed respect for Monfils’ character, acknowledging how his appeal attracts fans around the world to the sport. “He is such a great player to watch and a great character,” Djokovic added, hoping they could share the court together many more times before both players retire.
While Djokovic’s success against Monfils is well-known, it’s not an isolated case. He holds similarly dominant head-to-head records against several other players. Djokovic is undefeated against Jeremy Chardy (14-0), Andreas Seppi (12-0), and Milos Raonic (12-0), while his record against Taylor Fritz stands at 10-0. This consistent dominance has been a hallmark of Djokovic’s career, making him a formidable adversary for any player.
Looking back, Djokovic’s first win over Monfils came at the 2005 US Open, a year before Monfils claimed his first ATP title in Amersfoort. Fast forward nearly two decades, and Djokovic is now chasing a new milestone—his 100th tour-level title. Only Jimmy Connors (109 titles) and Roger Federer (103 titles) have won more titles than Djokovic, and the Serbian is now determined to join this exclusive club.
Novak Djokovic when asked what keeps him motivated to still keep playing: “I never won Brisbane.” 😂🔥pic.twitter.com/P35OUQoEk8
— Danny 🐊 (@DjokovicFan_) January 2, 2025
So far, his journey to this goal has been impressive. Djokovic’s first two matches in Brisbane, including his victory over Australian Rinky Hijikata, showcased his trademark resilience and relentless consistency. His performance against Monfils was particularly impressive, as he efficiently capitalized on every opportunity and demonstrated his clinical approach to the game.
Off the court, Djokovic has found additional joy in having his children, Stefan and Tara, with him in Australia. This is the first time that Djokovic has had his family accompany him during his time in the country, and he admitted that their presence has brought him additional motivation and positivity. “My heart is full, and it allows me to play my best tennis,” Djokovic reflected. He also shared that his children had fun giving him celebration ideas after victories, with his daughter suggesting he continue playing the violin and his son advising him to play the saxophone.
The emotional support from his family has clearly contributed to Djokovic’s mental strength, allowing him to focus on his game while enjoying his time with his loved ones. This extra layer of support is fueling his continued success as he heads into the Australian Open in Melbourne, where he aims to capture a record-extending 11th title and 25th Grand Slam.
As Djokovic’s coach, Andy Murray, watches from afar (currently on a family skiing trip), he is no doubt pleased with what he’s seen from his charge so far. Murray will be joining Djokovic in Melbourne next week as they prepare for the season’s first Grand Slam. Djokovic’s quest for his 100th title, combined with his pursuit of further Grand Slam success, continues to define his career.
With a 27-match winning streak against French players, including his recent triumph over Monfils, Djokovic’s confidence heading into Melbourne is high. His unwavering consistency and commitment to excellence are the driving forces behind his continued dominance in the sport. As he pursues more titles, Djokovic’s legacy as one of tennis’ greatest champions only continues to grow, and his journey is far from over. Whether he’s celebrating with his family, chasing milestones, or continuing to redefine greatness on the court, Novak Djokovic remains an iconic figure in tennis history.
