Novak Djokovic Eyes 25th Grand Slam Title at Australian Open
Brisbane International Quarterfinals
Novak Djokovic’s bid for a 100th ATP Tour title gained momentum today as the Serb thumped fellow veteran Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-3 to reach the Brisbane International quarterfinals.
The 37-year-old, who is looking to join Roger Federer (103) and Jimmy Connors (109) as players who have won at least a century of titles, breezed through the first set on the back of a solitary break in the fourth game. Djokovic never looked back from there as he powered through the second set to extend his win-loss record against the French player to 20-0, nearly two decades after their first encounter in the opening round of the 2005 US Open.
"We’ve been playing for many years," said Djokovic, who will be gunning for an 11th Australian Open title when the season’s opening Grand Slam begins later this month. "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 will step up his preparations for a tilt at a 25th Grand Slam title at the Jan 12-26 Australian Open when he takes on big-serving American Reilly Opelka in the next round. Opelka got past Matteo Arnaldi 7-6(9), 7-6(4) while Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, another player 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 lucky loser Dusan Lajovic 6-3, 6-2.
Women’s Event
In the women’s event, reigning US Open and Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka will aim to defeat Yulia Putintseva and reach the last eight. Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur, who overcame a shoulder injury that ended her 2024 season early, dug deep to beat Armenia’s Elina Avanesyan 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 and reach her first tour quarterfinal since the Berlin Open in June. It was the end of the road for third seed Daria Kasatkina, who fell to a 1-6, 6-2, 7-5 defeat against fellow Russian Polina Kudermetova, while their compatriot Mirra Andreeva eased past Linda Noskova 6-3, 6-0. Double Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka also crashed out after the Belarusian was beaten 6-4, 6-4 by Czech Marie Bouzkova.
Conclusion
Novak Djokovic’s impressive win over Gael Monfils has set him up for a strong run at the Australian Open, where he will be looking to win his 25th Grand Slam title. The Serb’s experience and skill will be put to the test as he faces big-serving American Reilly Opelka in the next round. Meanwhile, the women’s event has seen some exciting matches, with reigning champion Aryna Sabalenka looking to make a strong start to her title defense.
FAQs
Q: How many ATP Tour titles has Novak Djokovic won?
A: Novak Djokovic has won 99 ATP Tour titles.
Q: Who is Novak Djokovic’s next opponent in the Brisbane International?
A: Novak Djokovic will face big-serving American Reilly Opelka in the next round.
Q: Who won the women’s event at the 2024 Australian Open?
A: Aryna Sabalenka won the women’s event at the 2024 Australian Open.