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Serbian next plays Opelka
January 02, 2025
Novak Djokovic is chasing his 100th tour-level title this week in Brisbane.
Getty Images
Novak Djokovic is chasing his 100th tour-level title this week in Brisbane.
By Sam Jacot
For 20 years, Novak Djokovic has proven an imperious force on the ATP Tour. The Serbian’s mental fortitude and rock-solid, world-class game has made him extremely tough to beat, with nobody relating more to the struggles of facing Djokovic than Gael Monfils.

Meeting for the 20th time on Thursday at the Brisbane International presented by Evie, Monfils was once again on the wrong end of the scoreline against Djokovic, who made it 20-0 in the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head series with a 6-3, 6-3 second-round victory at the ATP 250 in Queensland.

"We have been playing for many years. I have known Gael since I was 15. We played quite a bit at juniors and on Tour and have had a good score against him but we have had some incredible battles," Djokovic said. "He is one of the best, if not the best, athlete in our sport over the years. Incredible flexibility, agility and speed.

"He is such a great player to watch and a great character and attracts fans around the world to stadiums so tonnes of respect to him and hopefully we can play some more before we both retire."

No Way' Novak
Novak Djokovic's most dominant Lexus ATP Head2Head series rivalries

Player Opponent Record
Novak Djokovic Gael Monfils 20-0
Novak Djokovic Jeremy Chardy 14-0
Novak Djokovic Andreas Seppi 12-0
Novak Djokovic Milos Raonic 12-0
Novak Djokovic Taylor Fritz 10-0
The top seed’s first victory against Monfils came at the 2005 US Open, a year before the 37-year-old won his maiden tour-level title in Amersfoort. Nineteen years on and this week Djokovic is aiming to become just the third man to win 100 tour-level titles after Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103).

In his quest to clinch his 100th crown, the former No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings has looked impressive through his opening two matches in Brisbane. After dispatching Rinky Hijikata, the World No. 7 hit with relentless consistency against Monfils and converted all three break points he conjured to reach the quarter-finals after one hour and 12 minutes.


Watching courtside were Djokovic's children, Stefan and Tara. The 37-year-old is pleased to have his family with him in Australia and revealed they have had a say on his post-match celebrations.

"My children told me to have two different kinds of celebrations," Djokovic said. "My daughter told me to keep going with the violin if I win. My son told me to play the saxophone, so I try and incorporate both. It is the first time for me to have my family down under. It is a long trip but they have come to support me and we are spending a lot of quality time together off court. My heart is full and it allows me to play my best tennis."

Djokovic will be joined by coach Andy Murray in Melbourne next week ahead of the Australian Open, with the Scot currently skiing with his family. However, Murray will be pleased with what he has watched from afar this week and will be hoping for more of the same from his charge when the Serbian takes on Reilly Opelka in the quarter-finals.



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Djokovic has now won his past 27 matches against Frenchmen, with his last loss coming against Benoit Paire at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Miami in 2018. Djokovic, who also teamed with Nick Kyrgios in doubles this week, is making his second appearance in Brisbane (2009).

Djokovic is aiming to find his best form this week ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne, where he will try to capture a record-extending 11th AO crown and 25th major.

Serbian's children are in Brisbane
January 02, 2025
Novak Djokovic celebrates his victory against Gael Monfils on Thursday in Brisbane.
Getty Images
Novak Djokovic celebrates his victory against Gael Monfils on Thursday in Brisbane.
By Sam Jacot
Will family time help Novak Djokovic achieve his goals in Australia?

The Serbian is chasing his 100th tour-level title in Brisbane this week and will then aim to capture a record-extending 11th Australian Open crown and 25th major in Melbourne later in January.

Here for the ride Down Under is the Serbian’s wife, Jelena, and his children Stefan and Tara.

“This is the first time my family comes with me, my children, my wife [to Australia],” Djokovic said. “If I have a match day, I'm spending time getting ready for that match. She has to take care of the kids. She's here supporting me, trying to give me that love and energy, along with kids, that I need to play my best tennis.

“So far it's working very well. I'm feeling great on the court. I'm playing great. It allows me to not feel the guilt that I'm so far away for such a long time…This makes it so much easier for me, going back home knowing they're going to be there waiting for me. I'm more motivated. I am also more calm, more serene. I spend great quality time with them. It allows me to also not think about tennis 24/7, to have time where I can just release the tension and be really involved in their time.”

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On court, Djokovic earned his second win of the season. The 37-year-old defeated Gael Monfils to reach the quarter-finals in Brisbane and now leads the Frenchman 20-0 in the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head series.

“His game suits me well. To some extent the more you win against someone, the happier you are to play him,” Djokovic said. “We have had some really tough battles. He had a couple of matches where he was one point away. I think in Dubai a few years ago he had a couple of 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 great credit for playing still at such a high level at his age. He's so athletic. A super nice guy that is loved by millions of people. He's a great entertainer, great charisma.”

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After his victory against Monfils, Djokovic produced his trademark violin celebration. The top seed revealed his children are the decision makers when it comes to victory decisions.

"My children told me to have two different kinds of celebrations," Djokovic said. "My daughter told me to keep going with the violin if I win. My son told me to play the saxophone, so I try and incorporate both."

Djokovic will next meet Reilly Opelka in the quarter-finals on Friday, when he will hope to once again celebrate in front of his family.