jiliko Novak Djokovic Vs Reilly Opelka, Brisbane International: Serbian Loving Life On And Off The Court - Here's Why

Novak Djokovic celebrates his win over Gael Monfils Novak Djokovic celebrates his win over Gael Monfils

Novak Djokovic's "heart is full" as he continues his preparations for the Australian Open. (More Tennis News)jiliko

Djokovic, who is in the hunt for his 100th ATP Tour-level title, is into the last eight of the Brisbane International after beating Gael Monfils 6-3 6-3 on Thursday.

The Serbian is readying himself for the season's first major, which begins in Melbourne on January 12.

Djokovic has won the Australian Open a record 10 times, and he has his family out supporting him down under.

Indeed, Djokovic celebrated his win over Monfils by pulling off some moves requested by his children.

Brisbane International: Djokovic Through To The Quarter-final After Straight-Sets Victory Over Monfils

BY Stats Perform

The first match of the final round of group matches took place between Korea and Malaysia and resulted in a 3-3 draw. The splitting of points confirmed Korea's qualification to the semifinal. The draw also ensured that Pakistan would finish second in the group regardless of their result in their last group match against India.

The India-Pakistan hockey rivalry has lost its sheen in recent times. Hockey in Pakistan has been in a freefall for the last decade or so while Indians have made a tremendous comeback in the same time period. The two countries used to rule world hockey at one point and the seeds for it were sown during the British rule in India.

"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."

20 - Novak Djokovic has now registered his 20th win against Gael Monfils, making the Frenchman the sixth player against whom he has managed 20+ wins in his career in ATP events and the only player against whom he has 20 wins without a loss. Dominate. @atptour @ATPMediaInfo pic.twitter.com/gPXqEHZe1R

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) January 2, 2025

The 37-year-old has now beaten Monfils 20 times across his career, having never lost to the Frenchman.

Monfils is the sixth player Djokovic has beaten at least 20 times.

Djokovic is only a year younger than Monfils, and the 24-time grand slam champion hopes there will be another clash with one of his longest-term rivals before either of the duo call it a day.

"We have been playing for many years. I have known Gael since I was 15," he added.

"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 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."jiliko