Brisbane International 2025: Novak Djokovic eases through season opener, Gael Monfils awaits with 19-0 Head to Head

Novak Djokovic won't succumb to a shock defeat to start his 2025 season with the 24-time Grand Slam champion finding a way to ease past Rinky Hijikata and reach the second round of the 2025 Brisbane International.

Djokovic sealed a 6-3, 6-3 win. Technically the start of the Murray era albeit without his new coach there, Djokovic has spent most of the last month or so preparing with his former rival who he has praised for being so meticulous.

But it was a meticulous start from Djokovic easing through without such issues. He is now on a 30-match winning streak in opening round matches. He is 72-1 since May 2018 with his only loss coming against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina back in 2022.

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Next up is perhaps an even simpler test on paper and could see him reach 20-0 in his Head to Head against him as he faces off against Gael Monfils who has one of the worst records in tennis against the Serbian. Adversaries for most of their respective careers, Monfils has never beaten him.

There will always be the question of can he turn the tables and finally get the one on his record but Djokovic has always had his number.

Djokovic also explained the absence of his coach afterwards saying that he is actually skiing and is on holiday likely pre arranged before they got together. He said he hopes he doesn't get injured befoehand.

“He’s actually skiing at the moment. He’s on a family skiing trip. Sending my love to all the Murray family. I hope he doesn’t get injured skiing before he comes to Melbourne," he said.

“We spoke before the match. I’m excited to have him in my team. For 20+ years he’s been across the net. For the first time ever he’s on the same side of the court. Should be fun in Melbourne.”

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