BRISBANE, Australia — Novak Djokovic’s bid for a a centesimal ATP Tour title gained momentum Thursday because the Serb thumped fellow veteran Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-3 to succeed in the Brisbane Worldwide quarterfinals.
The 37-year-old Djokovic, who’s seeking to be a part of Roger Federer (103) and Jimmy Connors (109) as gamers who’ve reached the milestone, breezed via the primary set on the again of a solitary break within the fourth recreation.
Djokovic by no means seemed again from there as he powered via the second set to increase his win-loss report towards the French participant to 20-0, almost twenty years after their first encounter within the opening spherical of the 2005 US Open.
“We have been taking part in for a few years,” mentioned Djokovic, who will likely be gunning for an eleventh Australian Open title when the season’s first Grand Slam begins later this month.
“I’ve recognized Gael since I used to be 15. We performed fairly a bit at juniors and on Tour and have had a superb rating towards him, however we have now had some unbelievable battles. He is among the best, if not the most effective, athlete in our sport over time.”
Djokovic subsequent takes on big-serving American Reilly Opelka as he steps up his preparations for a twenty fifth Grand Slam title on the Jan. 12-26 Australian Open.
Opelka obtained previous Matteo Arnaldi 7-6 (9), 7-6 (4), whereas Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, one other participant who can blow away his opponents with booming serves, upset fourth seed Frances Tiafoe 6-4, 7-6 (4).
Czech 19-year-old Jakub Mensik earlier mowed down Serbian fortunate loser Dusan Lajovic 6-3, 6-2.
Within the ladies’s occasion, reigning US Open and Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka endured a stern check within the opening set towards Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva earlier than profitable 7-6 (2), 6-4.
Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur, who overcame a shoulder harm that ended her 2024 season early, dug deep to beat Armenia’s Elina Avanesyan 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 and attain her first tour quarterfinal because the Berlin Open in June.
It was the tip of the highway for third seed Daria Kasatkina, who fell to a 1-6, 6-2, 7-5 defeat towards fellow Russian Polina Kudermetova, whereas their compatriot Mirra Andreeva eased previous Linda Noskova 6-3, 6-0.
Double Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka additionally crashed out after the Belarusian was crushed 6-4, 6-4 by Czech Marie Bouzkova.