Novak Djokovic made a cheeky dig about his 20-0 record against Gael Monfils (Image: Getty)
Novak Djokovic had to apologise after making a hilarious dig about his record against Gael Monfils. The French star is retiring this season and making his final appearance at his home tournament, Roland Garros, this fortnight. He’s already taken to Court Philippe-Chatrier for Gael and Friends – a ‘show’ with exhibition matches and fun games, which Djokovic took part in. And the former world No. 6 will face countryman Hugo Gaston in Monday’s night session match.
Ahead of Monfils’ final appearance at the French Open, Djokovic paid tribute to his long-time friend and rival, but couldn’t resist making fun of his incredible 20-0 undefeated record against the 13-time title winner.
“I told him, and I told others when I spoke about him, first of all, the legacy that he’ll leave behind is, at least for me and all of us guys that know him for a long time, is how nice of a human being he is, how good of a guy,” the world No. 4 said after winning his opening match in Paris.
“He’s always smiling, always bringing positive vibes. He’s been through difficult times in his career, being injured and all, coming back, and one of the most athletic tennis players that you’ll see. His slides, his defense, his slam dunks, overheads are some signature shots. He’ll be missed.”
Djokovic has never lost a match to Monfils in his career. They faced off for the very first time on tour at the 2005 US Open, and their latest meeting came in Brisbane last year.
And the Serbian superstar joked: “Honestly, he was one of my favourite players to watch, no doubt, and one of the favourite players to play against, as well! I mean, I’m sorry, but I had to mention it.
Gael Monfils is making his final French Open appearance (Image: Getty)
“But incredible guy, incredible guy, so much fun to talk to him, to be around him. You know, it was really nice and emotional the other night. I was so happy to be part of that. Playing this game and all of the guys from men’s and women’s side coming to celebrate his journey, his career, was a great moment.”
While Djokovic and Monfils are in opposite halves of the draw in Paris this fortnight, the 24-time Major champion is facing plenty of Frenchmen. He came from a set down to beat 6ft 7inch big-server Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 5-7 7-5 6-1 6-4 and will next face Valentin Royer.
After his first meeting with Mpetshi Perricard, the third seed said: “When it comes to the match, it was very challenging, obviously mentally and, you know, for me to hold my nerves in the important moments. Hasn’t happened first set, but then after, it was great because I was able to read his serve a bit more and anticipate better.
“First set, zero chance really on his serve, he has one of the most tremendous serves in terms of precision and speed that I have ever faced in my career. So kudos to him, and good luck. I think nobody wants him in the draw, to be honest. You know, if he puts certain things together, he can have a really bright future.”
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