Novak Djokovic oozed trademark dominance as he eased past long-time rival Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-3 on Thursday to reach the quarter-finals of the Brisbane International. With the Australian Open only days away, the 37-year-old Serbian star delivered a clinical performance.
In a 72-minute match, the world number one stretched his unbeaten record against Monfils to 20 victories, but not before the flashy Frenchman gave him quite some problems. Djokovic controlled the pace of the entire match, blending precision with power to dismantle his opponent.
His next test in Brisbane will be against towering American Reilly Opelka, one of the most fearsome servers in tennis.
Elsewhere, the heavy defeat sustained by Venus Williams, and exciting performances by young guns Mirra Andreeva and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, indicate that a new generation may well be on the rise in the tennis world.
Brisbane International promises more exciting action, especially with Djokovic in such imperious form.
