Novak Djokovic's quest for history continued to gain momentum as he advanced to the quarter-finals of the ATP 250 Brisbane International 2025, defeating fellow veteran Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-3 on January 2. The victory marks Djokovic's 20th career win over Monfils, extending his winning streak against the Frenchman, who has yet to secure a victory over the Serbian after two decades of competition.
The 37-year-old Djokovic demonstrated his experience and skill throughout the match, which lasted just 72 minutes. Maintaining control from the onset, he broke Monfils's serve early and never relinquished his advantage. "We've been playing for many years. I've 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. He's one of the best, if not the best, athlete in our sport over the years," Djokovic remarked after the match, acknowledging the long-standing rivalry between the two.
With this win, Djokovic is on the brink of claiming his 100th ATP Tour title. He aims to join legends Roger Federer (103 titles) and Jimmy Connors (109 titles) as one of the few players to reach this milestone. The next step for Djokovic is facing American Reilly Opelka, known for his powerful serve, which poses a formidable challenge. Their match is scheduled for January 3, as Djokovic prepares for his pursuit of yet another Grand Slam title at the 2025 Australian Open.
Opelka progressed to the quarter-finals after defeating Matteo Arnaldi 7-6(9), 7-6(4). “Having faced such tough competition early on, I’m gearing up for another challenging match against Novak,” Opelka commented. Djokovic, aware of Opelka's potential impact on the court, expressed his readiness, recognizing the necessary preparation for the looming Australian Open commencing on January 12.
Meanwhile, the women's singles draw saw reigning US Open and Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka also advance, fighting through against Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva to secure her spot. Spectators were treated to impressive matches, witnessing the emergence of rising talents like 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
Both Andreeva and Mpetshi Perricard showcased their potential victories, with Andreeva demolishing compatriot Linda Noskova 6-3, 6-0, avenging her loss to Noskova from the previous year at Brisbane. "Last year she almost killed me in the quarter-finals so I was thinking it's time to take my revenge," Andreeva shared, highlighting her determination and growth as she embarks on her 2025 campaign aiming for the top 10 world ranking.
Perricard, aged 21, meanwhile, made significant waves by defeating fourth seed Frances Tiafoe, managing to serve 20 aces throughout the match. “It was really tough against Francis. But I managed to put pressure on his second serve, and it worked,” Perricard commented, demonstrating both his prowess and tactical acumen.
Returning to Djokovic, he reflected on his rapport with Monfils, emphasizing the moments of high competitiveness they've shared over the years. "[Monfils’] game suits me well. To some extent the more you win against someone, the happier you are to play him," he smiled, underlining the unique dynamics present in rivalry matches.
Djokovic's longevity and ability to compete at such high levels at 37 marks him as one of the sport's enduring figures. His match with Monfils not only showcased their seasoned skills but also drew attention to the challenges of maintaining peak performance as careers extend well beyond typical retirement ages.
This tournament serves as more than just preparation for Djokovic; it’s the perfect stage for younger athletes to announce their presence on the world scene. For Djokovic, as he heads toward his quarter-final clash and eventually the Australian Open, the 2025 season appears filled with promise and opportunity.
With such thrilling actions, it seems evident: the Brisbane International is heating up, setting the stage for potential upsets and memorable performances as both established players and newcomers vie for glory on tennis' grand stages.