Novak Djokovic reaches 216 CF appearances on the ATP Tour in Brisbane | ATP Tour

Brisbane

Djokovic reaches 217 appearances in CF in Brisbane

He is the fourth player with the most quarterfinals in the Open Era

January 02, 2025

Every day that Novak Djokovic takes to the court he expands his legend, establishing a new record or highlight in his long career. And this Thursday at the Brisbane International presented by Evie she did it again by making her 217th appearance in the quarterfinals of an ATP Tour tournament.

The Serbian beat Gael Monfils in the second round of this ATP 250 6-3, 6-3 in one hour and 12 minutes, becoming the fourth player in the Open Era with the most quarterfinals behind him along with Ivan Lendl.

Most quarterfinals in the Open Era
1. Jimmy Connors: 276

2. Roger Federer: 245

3. Rafael Nadal: 226

4. Ivan Lendl: 217

4. Novak Djokovic: 217

On this occasion, the top seed in Brisbane beat a player he has beaten in the 20 times recorded in the Lexus ATP Head2Head, in a rivalry that spans twenty years (they met for the first time at the 2005 US Open ).

“We have been facing each other for many years. I have known Gael since I was 15 years old. “We have played in juniors and on the tour, and I have a good result against him, but we have had incredible battles,” Djokovic recalled. “He is one of the best, if not the best, athlete in our sport. He has incredible flexibility, agility and speed. “He is a great player to watch and a great personality, he attracts fans from all over the world, so a lot of respect for him and I hope we can play a few more times before we retire.”

The rivalry between Djokovic and Monfils is the most forceful in history in favor of any player, followed by Rafael Nadal with Richard Gasquet (18-0).

Most overwhelming rivalries

Djokovic, however, has won 27 consecutive matches against a French opponent. He has not lost to a player of this nationality since the ATP Masters 1000 in Miami in 2018, when he did so with Benoit Paire.

Djokovic’s children, Stefan and Tara, witnessed their father’s victory in Brisbane. At 37 years old, he is delighted to have his family with him at the Australian tournament and revealed what they think of his celebrations in the post-match interview.

“My children told me that I should have two different celebrations,” revealed the Serbian. “My daughter told me to continue playing the violin if I win. My son played the sax, so I try to incorporate both. It’s the first time I have had my family in Australia. It’s a long journey, but they’ve come to support me and we’re spending a lot of time off the track together. My heart is full of happiness and that allows me to play my best tennis.”

In the Brisbane quarterfinals he will face the American Reilly Opelka, who, playing with Protected Ranking, beat the Italian Matteo Arnaldi in the second round by 7-6(9), 7-6(4), on a day in which he hit 25 aces.

It will be the first time that Djokovic and Opelka meet on the ATP Tour.

Did you know that…?

In this edition of the Brisbane International presented by Evie, Novak Djokovic seeks to win crown No. 100 of his career, a figure that only Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer have previously achieved.