Djokovic makes it 20 wins in a row against Monfils to enter Brisbane’s last eight

Novak Djokovic, who is chasing is 100th singles title in Brisbane made it 20-0 in his ATP Head2head series against Gael Monfils with a 6-3, 6-3 second-round victory at the ATP 250 in Queensland on Thursday.

“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.”

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.